Alcoholism: Causes and how it can be prevented

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism is when you become addicted to alcohol. It is also known as alcohol use disorder. It happens when an individual drinks so much that eventually he/she becomes dependent on alcohol. Under such situation, alcohol becomes most important thing in its addict’s lives.

People with alcohol use disorder continue drinking even when it causes negative consequences for them such as losing job. They may aware that over-drinking brings negative consequences for them but it does not stop them from alcohol consumption.

What causes of alcoholism

The true cause of alcoholism is not known precisely. It develops when one drinks a lot that it causes chemical changes in the brain. These changes are associated with pleasurable feelings: you drink more; you enjoy more even if it causes harm. Alcoholism typically develops over time and is known to run in families.

Symptoms of alcoholism

People with alcohol use disorder may exhibit following behaviours;

·        drinking alone

·        drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance)

·        becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits

·        not eating or eating poorly

·        neglecting personal hygiene

·        missing work or school because of drinking

·        being unable to control alcohol intake

·        making excuses to drink

·        continuing to drink even when legal, social, or economic problems develop

·   giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use

Alcoholic people may experience following physical symptoms;

·        alcohol cravings

·  withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting

·        tremors (involuntary shaking) the morning after drinking

·        lapses in memory (blacking out) after a night of drinking

·       illnesses, such as alcoholic ketoacidosis (includes dehydration-type symptoms) or cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver

How alcoholism is treated?

There are various methods of treatment but they all are meant to stop alcoholic people from drinking. The treatment consists of various stages and may include the following;

·        detoxification or withdrawal to rid your body of alcohol

·        rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors

·        counseling to address emotional problems that may cause you to drink

·        support groups, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

·        medical treatment for health problems associated with alcoholism

·        medications to help control addiction

Outlook for people with alcohol use disorder

Recovering from alcoholism is difficult and it happens over time. Strong will power is fundamentally vital for alcoholic people to recover from this disorder. Most of the people who seek treatment for alcoholism are able to overcome their addiction. An effective support system is helpful in making a complete recovery.

The health of alcoholic people largely depends upon the health complications they have developed as a result of drinking.  The largest victim of alcoholism is liver, however it may lead to other health complications including;

·        bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

·        damage to brain cells

·        cancer in the GI tract

·        dementia (memory loss)

·        depression

·        high blood pressure

·        inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

·        nerve damage

·        changes in mental status, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a brain disease that causes symptoms such as confusion, vision changes, or memory loss)

How to prevent alcoholism?

The development of alcohol use disorder can be avoided by limiting alcohol intake. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women should not drink more than one drink per day, and men should not drink more than two drinks per day. Don’t delay to see your doctor if begin to engage in behaviors that are hallmarks of alcoholism.