Alcoholism is considered to be a disabling addictive disorder just like many similar drug habits. Otherwise known as alcohol dependence, this is medically defined as a treatable disease. There are many negative consequences that one suffers because of alcoholism including physical, psychological and social effects. The main characteristic of this condition is uncontrollable desire to consume more alcohol.
Although the main causes of this condition are not completely explained as far as biological components there are thoughts that it is linked to various risk factors such as mental health, genetics, stress levels, social environment, age, sex, and ethnic groups.
Excessive alcohol when taken on a long term basis has various effects on people to different degrees but because of its toxicity levels, the alcohol damages every organ in the body over time. The compulsion to drink continues even when the person is aware that they are damaging their health which is why there is such a concern with this condition. In the event that a person tries to control and stop their habit, they experience terrible withdrawal symptoms of a physical and mental nature.
Some of the consequences of alcohol abuse over time aside from the inability to control the habit include cirrhosis of the liver, epilepsy, alcoholic dementia, pancreatitis, heart disease, sexual dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, amongst others and possibly leading to death. Various psychological disorders caused by alcoholism include depression, anxiety, confusion, psychosis, organic brain syndrome, schizophrenia and more. There are also the social side affect to think about because of these changes that happen within a person. Mood swings can cause a person to isolate themselves, and these individuals in some cases are prone to violence which leads to domestic violence, child abuse, burglaries, assaults and other things that a person before the influence of alcohol would never involve themselves with.
Unlike most other drugs, if alcohol withdrawal is not done correctly, there are consequences that can be fatal. Aside from the anxiety that occurs, there may also be hallucinations, the shakes, heart failure and even seizures that result in death. Anyone who has become so dependent on alcohol must seek professional medical treatment for this condition and it is very important that this rehabilitation be done correctly. Other symptoms that may occur even when rehabilitation is done correctly include insomnia, anhedonia, and anxiety. These tend to decrease with time but may still take over a year to be reduced completely because the nervous system needs time to heal.
There are various tests to diagnose alcoholism including the questionnaire, DSM diagnosis, urine and blood tests and so on. The treatments for this condition vary according to the person and whether or not they are involved with other drugs. Whichever treatment they receive, it is generally followed by life training classes as well as social support so that they can return to life without the use of alcohol.
The best cure for this condition is prevention itself. The number educational classes concerning alcohol abuse for children and adults is increasing and government agencies all around the world are looking at new ways to control this condition.
