Alcoholism is defined as an addiction by some and a disease by others. Its severity is evaluated by the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption and the increase in the amount of alcohol needed to achieve and maintain intoxication. The abuse of alcohol can interfere with the abuser's mental and physical health and social, family and occupational responsibilities. Hence, alcoholics spend a great deal of time talking about, obtaining and consuming alcohol. Many will “binge drink” which is defined as drinking six or more alcoholic beverages at one time. Drinking is so pervasive in the lives of alcoholics that many struggle with legal problems such as “Driving While Intoxicated”, “Driving Under the Influence”, and domestic violence.
Alcohol is defined as a tolerance drug: The more one uses, the more one needs to use to achieve intoxication. When alcohol usage is limited or interrupted, physical withdrawal symptoms occur. Alcohol affects the central nervous system and acts as a depressant. The result is a decrease in anxiety, tension and inhibitions. Even a couple of drinks can alter behavior, slow motor skills and confuse mental judgment. Severe use of alcohol can cause neuropathy and dementia.
The abuse of alcohol has a tantamount affect on the organs of the human body. An alcoholic can develop gastrointestinal tract irritation, erosion of the esophagus or larynx and stomach ulcers. The digestive system ceases to function normally and interrupts the necessary absorption of vitamins and minerals from food. The liver, the primary organ that filters alcohol from the bloodstream can become severely affected, which will progress to cirrhosis or cancer. Alcohol can also cause cardiomyopathy. This is a condition that damages the muscles in the heart. Alcohol consumption by expectant mothers during pregnancy can cause birth defects.
Alcohol is readily available and people use it for different reasons. Some drink because members of their family do. Other people seek relief from stress, conflict, depression, problems or even low self-esteem. Often there is a pressure to consume alcohol in social situations involving peer pressure and peer acceptance. Whatever the reason, alcohol can be like any other drug, addictive and deadly. At Doctors for Life, we promote healthy bodies, minds and spirits.
Symptoms of Alcoholism: solitary drinking, making excuses to drink, lack of control over drinking, becoming violent when drinking, sneaking to drink, nausea, vomiting, shaking muscles, stomach pain, confusion, numbness and/or tingling of limbs. One of the major causes of death from alcohol abuse is the eruption of oesophageal varicose veins resulting in severe, rapid blood loss.
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