Alcoholism/Alcohol Use Disorder causes symptoms | HealthStub

 

What is Alcoholism / Alcohol Use Disorder  

Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is often viewed as a stereotypical, non-medical condition in our country. What we don't know is that an addiction to this poison often gets out of hand for a person who is addicted to alcohol. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is actually a medical condition that needs treatment. Drinking alcohol in moderate amounts is perfectly acceptable. In fact, wine and beer have many positive effects on health. But, when alcohol consumption begins to have a negative impact on one's life, it can be a symptom of alcoholism.Alcoholism is defined as a disease in which the patient experiences a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control when limiting alcohol consumption. develop a tolerance and need more alcohol to achieve the same effect and if he attempts to withdraw from alcohol, he sees withdrawal symptoms. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1 in 13 people in the UK is an alcoholic. In the United States, 15% of problem drinkers, 5-10% of male drinkers, and 3-5% of female drinkers have been shown to be addicted to alcohol. home, social life and even personal relationships. In addition to this, there are many other illnesses that follow as a byproduct of an indulgent alcohol disorder, such as cancer, damage to the liver, brain, and other organs.The ideal way to combat alcoholism or helping anyone struggling with alcoholism is to -stigmatize the condition and seek medical help. The mentality towards alcohol abuse as abuse that can be voluntarily controlled is not true. It is as much a medical disorder as any other disease and should be treated the same.

Alcoholism Causes & Symptoms

An addiction to alcohol can be the result of various causes, genetic, psychological, social and environmental. The modern “disease theory of alcoholism” states that the problem may even be the result of a disease of the brain characterized by changes in brain structure and function.

Some people may be more affected by alcohol consumption than others, some studies show. Addiction to alcohol can develop over time and affect normal brain function. The affected person may start to crave alcohol to make themselves better or to reduce negative feelings.

The following factors can increase the risk of alcoholism:

•  Drinking continuously and regularly over a long period of time

•  Family history when parents or relatives have alcohol problems

•  Depression and other mental health problems

•  Friends or partner who drinks regularly

Alcoholism can be mild, moderate, or excessive. All three conditions will exhibit symptoms accordingly. The more severe and severe the symptoms, the more critical the state of alcoholism. The signs and symptoms of this condition include:

• Inability to control alcohol consumption

• Inability to reduce your consumption despite several attempts

• Wanting to reduce your alcohol consumption or making unsuccessful attempts to do so

• Despite the physical and social harm, continue to drink alcohol

• Spend a lot of time drinking

• Failing to fulfill professional or family responsibilities

• Reduce social activities

• Consume alcohol in dangerous situations, such as while driving

• Need more amount of alcohol to reproduce a similar effect

• You experience nausea, sweating and tremors (withdrawal symptoms) when you avoid drinking, delay or stop drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption can affect your speech, muscle coordination, and your brain. It can also put the patient's life in danger. Drinking excessively can lead to the following health problems:

Liver disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty formation in the liver (fatty liver), inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis) or irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).

Heart problems: Alcoholism can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure, or stroke.

Digestive problems: Alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach lining (stomach ulcers), as well as stomach and esophageal ulcers.. It can also hinder the absorption of nutrients and lead to inflammation of the pancreas.

Diabetic complications: Alcoholism can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia).

Birth Defects: Alcoholism can lead to miscarriage or physical and developmental problems in a child.

Increased risk of cancer: The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, liver, colon and breast increases with excessive alcohol consumption.

Weakens Immunity: Alcoholism can weaken the immune system, making a person more prone to various diseases, especially pneumonia.

Neurological complications: Alcoholism can affect your nervous system, causing numbness, disturbed thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.

Alcoholism Prevention And Myths

• Psychological  counselling  can help better understand the problem, and family support can help with recovery.

• Detoxification and withdrawal can be managed medically by taking sedatives that prevent withdrawal symptoms.

• Oral medications may be taken that produce a physical reaction, including hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and headache if the person drinks alcohol. Some can reduce cravings for alcohol while others block the good sensations produced by alcohol.

• Meditative practices can calm the body and promote recovery.

• Treatment for other psychological disorders leading to alcoholism can also prevent alcohol use.

• Develop habits like physical activity, stress management, good sleep, good nutrition, etc.

• Replace activities that involve drinking alcohol with better, healthy pastimes.

MYTH: People who drink only beer are not alcoholics.

FACT: It's a false sense of security because beer continues to be alcohol despite being called a soft drink these days. Some strong beers actually contain a large amount of alcohol.

MYTH: Only those who get drunk regularly are alcoholics.

FACT: This is wrong because there are a lot of people who get drunk a lot on occasion but don't get  addicted.

MYTH: Once people stop drinking, their problems are over.

FACT: Recovery is a long process, not an isolated event. It takes time, sometimes up to years, to fully   overcome the impact of alcoholism.

MYTH: Alcohol is an addictive drug, and anyone who drinks excessively will become addicted.

FACT: Alcohol is only addictive for a certain number of people, not all.

MYTH: Alcohol addiction is psychological.

FACT: Alcohol addiction is actually primarily physiological and can affect the body of alcoholics.

MYTH: Alcoholics must need help to be helped.

FACT: Most alcoholics don't want help because of their lack of rational thinking.

MYTH: Being sober is boring.

FACT: Just because recovery offers a whole new thinking process and a new community to support  you.

MYTH: Cravings for alcohol can be offset by eating foods high in sugar.

FACT: Foods high in sugar often increase depression and tension which can lead to the urge to drink.

Alcoholism / Alcohol Use Disorder  Treatment

Alcoholic disorder is a disease of the brain because it causes changes in your brain, which make it difficult for you to quit smoking.

Treatment options:

Go for a detoxification cure

For anyone who is addicted to alcohol, this is the key step. The goal of this step is to remove alcohol from your system, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few days. People prefer to go to the hospital or treatment center because they have withdrawal symptoms like tremors and seizures.

Meet with a therapist or counselor

In addition to controlling your alcohol intake, you also need to learn new skills and strategies to improve your daily life. Psychologists, alcohol counselors and social workers help you with this.

Medicines

No drug can cure alcohol-related disorders, but many can help you get well. They make your drinking less enjoyable, so you don't want to drink as much as you did. Some of the drugs are:

•  Disulfiram (makes you feel sick or vomit when you drink alcohol)

•  Acamprosate (helps you fight cravings)

•  Naltrexone (blocks the feeling of high you get when you drink)

Join a group

Group therapy can help you during your rehabilitation by allowing you to stay calm and get back on track. Group therapies are led by a therapist and provide you with support from other members.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for further details.