2024 Author: Brian Parson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:02
Alcoholism, known as alcohol dependence syndrome, is a combination of physical, mental and behavioral disorders in which the use of alcoholic beverages takes a higher priority for a person than other behaviors that have been relevant in the past.
Alcoholism has several basic characteristics.
The first is the urge (also known as mental dependence) to consume alcohol to change a person's consciousness, physical or mental state. In second place is tolerance - a change in the body's tolerance, which is expressed in the need to consume larger and larger amounts of alcohol.
Over time, the effect of intoxication is achieved with much less alcohol. Withdrawal syndrome occurs, which is expressed in mental and physical discomfort in the absence of alcohol. Many years of abuse result in various bodily injuries, and disruption in social life is inevitable.
Experts distinguish three types of drinking behavior. The first is the use - the intake of small amounts of alcohol for a short period of time. The reception can be motivated by an attempt to imitate, curiosity, fun or other reasons.
The second type of behavior is abuse - the intake of large amounts of alcohol, which seriously harm health and social life. The last type is addiction, which is expressed in the physical and mental state of internal compulsion to consume alcohol.
Symptoms of alcoholism
For alcoholism is spoken when three or more of the following symptoms have been present in the last one year:
Strong desire or feeling of internal compulsion to consume alcohol; Impaired ability to control the intake of alcoholic beverages, which refers to the beginning, end or amount consumed; Physiological state of abstinence; Progressive elimination of all other alternative pleasures or interests at the expense of alcohol use; Continued alcohol consumption, despite the visible effects.
Withdrawal symptoms have different severity and are in different combinations with each other. They appear after complete cessation or a sharp decrease in the amount of alcohol. The onset and course of withdrawal is limited in time and largely depends on the quantity and quality of drinks consumed.
Abstinence manifests itself in two main groups of symptoms - mental and physical. Mental symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability and fear, tension and an extremely strong desire to drink alcohol. Physical symptoms include tightness in the heart area, high blood pressure, trembling hands and lips, cold sweat on the body and face.
Diagnosis of alcoholism
In Bulgaria from alcoholism about 2.5% of the population suffers. The ratio between men and women is about 6: 1, with people between the ages of 25 and 35 being the most abused. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the above criteria, as well as the typical manifestations of the patient.
Treatment of alcoholism
The treatment of alcoholism is complex, combining psychotherapy, drug therapy and various social activities. The first and most important step of therapy is detoxification - cleansing the body of toxins and relieving the symptoms of discomfort that accompany abstinence.
In the next stages, the complications of alcoholism. Unfortunately, there is no drug that can reduce the desire to consume alcohol and internal coercion.
The healing of alcoholism is achieved through many years of psychotherapy, which is initially individual and / or family supportive therapy. To achieve long-term abstinence, group psychotherapy, which is performed in Alcoholics Anonymous clubs, is especially useful.
Complications of alcoholism
Alcohol is a very strong cellular poison. It has good solubility, which is why it penetrates all cell membranes and has a harmful effect everywhere. As a result of alcohol abuse, various problems can occur - disorders of consciousness, dementia, peripheral neuropathy, liver disease, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, sudden death.
Alcohol abuse increases the risk of cancer. There is reduced immunity and a risk of developing inflammatory diseases. The patient may lose his job, his family, friends and all social contacts.
The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!
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