Alcoholism – Treatment

Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of repeated drinking that interferes with a person’s work, family or social life or that exposes a person to physical dangers (driving or operating machinery while drunk)Alcohol dependence is more severe and includes the above problems as well as physical tolerance to the effects of alcohol, physical symptoms of withdrawal when the person stops drinking, difficulty quitting drinking, or rearranging activities to keep drinking.

CAUSES :-

People who have close relatives with these conditions are three or fore times more likely to develop alcohol problems than they would be otherwise. Sometimes people drink in response to another inadequately treated psychological disorder such as Depression or schizophrenia. Most people with alcohol abuse or dependence, though, probably do not have any of these associated conditions.

SYMPTOMS :-

Symptoms of alcohol intoxication are well known and include Impaired attention or Memory problems, in coordination, slurred speech, unsteady walking, possibly stupor or coma. Alcohol withdrawal can cause

• Hand trembling
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Sleep problems
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Hallucinations and delirium

DIAGNOSIS :-

There is no specific level of alcohol intake that qualifies a person for an alcohol-related disorder. The diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence is made according to the impact of drinking on a person’s work, family, and social life and on the basis of physical symptoms. Four questions known as the CAGE questionnaire, are a good screening test for alcoholism. They are

• Have you ever felt you should Cut down your drinking?
• Have people Annoyed you criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning(an Eye opener) to steady your nerves or get rid ofa hangover?

Two “yes” answers indicate the chance of having an alcohol-related disorder is high. Three or four “yes” answers indicate alcohol dependence.

COMPLICATIONS :-

In addition to the acute symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal, chronic alcohol abuse produces many physical complications including

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Liver failure
• Jaundice
• Leg and abdominal swelling
• Damage to the nerves of the feet and the hands
• Malnutrition, including vitamin deficiencies
• Brain damage, including memory problems
• Breast development and shrinking testicles in men
• Impotence
• Stomach irritation and Ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Dilated veins in the esophagus
• Hemorrhoids
• Stomach and intestinal bleeding
• Hypertension
• Irregular heart beat
• Congestive heart failure
• Death

Alcohol abuse can also bring on symptoms of psychological disorders such as Depression and Anxiety. Even moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Alcohol abuse disrupts work, family, and social relationships. It can lead to legal difficulties and physical injuries. Alcohol is involved in half of all fatal car accidents, one third of all suicides, and two third of all murders.

Treatment:

Self Treatment: Alcohol-related disorders can be difficult to control without help. Most who have an alcohol related disorder find it easier to avoid drinking completely than to drink a little. It is important for many alcoholics to avoid situations that are likely to involve drinking.

Medical Treatment: A variety of inpatient and out patient programs exist; the main focus of these programs is on the psychological aspects of quitting drinking.Medical detoxification is usually accomplished with gradually tapering doses of sedatives such as Chlordiazepoxide or Lorazepam. Some people find it easier to avoid drinking if they take Disulfiram, a medicine which makes people sick if they drink alcohol.

Prevention:Because alcohol use is widespread in our culture, alcohol abuse can be difficult to recognize. Being aware of the symptoms of alcohol abuse and dependence can lead one seek treatment early and avoid the potentially devastating consequences,