What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is a neurological disorder and medical disease that is characterized by the excessive consumption and unrestrained need of alcohol. A person suffering from the effects of alcoholism is known as an alcoholic, and they drink alcohol to the point where it negatively impacts them socially, like in relationships or with their job, and they drink alcohol in such excess that it negatively impacts their health.
What is Alcoholism? Signs and Symptoms
One major sign and symptom of alcoholism is the high tolerance for alcohol, which is usually built up over a long period of time and use. Along with the tolerance comes a physical dependence on alcohol, this is where the body actually needs it; the person dependent on alcohol cannot function, and without it they will experience symptoms of withdrawal.
Depression and anxiety are other signs and symptoms of alcoholism, with more severe psychiatric disorders, like bipolar and schizophrenia, being a likely effect as well. More serious effects from drinking heavily over a long period of time include cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, epilepsy, pancreatitis, sexual dysfunction and even death.
What is Alcoholism? Causes
There are many causes of alcoholism, and they include the influences of gender, social environment, ethnicity, stress, age, mental health and family history. Genetics is viewed as a major factor for alcoholism, if someone in your family, past or present, has a problem with the consumption of alcohol, then it is more likely that you, or anyone else in your family, could become an alcoholic.
Another factor in the cause of alcoholism is abuse. A history of physical, mental, sexual or domestic abuse greatly increases the chances of someone becoming an alcoholic.
What is Alcoholism? Diagnosis
Alcoholism is generally diagnosed through the use of tests in the form of questionnaires. Most often these can be taken at a doctor’s office, and they help to determine whether a person is dependent on alcohol, or whether they just use alcohol as a social outlet. Other tests, like blood and urine tests, can screen for changes in biological markers.
What is Alcoholism? Treatment
Those suffering from alcoholism will need to go through a phase of detoxification, this is where they quit drinking alcohol altogether. After detoxing, the person should attend therapies and self-help groups in order to manage and create a new lifestyle, as well as to determine what factors drove them to drinking alcohol in excess.
There are also prescription medications that can help combat alcoholism. These medications work to decrease cravings and stabilize brain chemistry and function.
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