Alcoholism - Introduction

Introduction

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease. It is a primary disorder and not a symptom of other diseases or emotional problems. The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. The severity of this disease is influenced by factors such as genetics, psychology, culture, and response to physical pain.

Alcoholism, alcohol dependence, and alcohol abuse are associated with the following:

• The only indication of early alcoholism may be the unpleasant physical responses to withdrawal that occur during even brief periods of abstinence.
• Alcoholics have little or no control over the quantity they drink or the duration or frequency of their drinking.
• Alcoholics are preoccupied with drinking, deny their own addiction, and continue to drink even though they are aware of the dangers.
• Over time, some alcoholics become tolerant to the effects of drinking and require more alcohol to become intoxicated, creating the illusion that they can "hold their liquor."
• Alcoholics may have blackouts after drinking and have frequent hangovers that cause them to miss work and other normal activities.
• Alcoholics might drink alone and start their drinking early in the day.
• Alcoholics periodically quit drinking or switch from hard liquor to beer or wine, but these periods rarely last.
• Severe alcoholics often have a history of accidents, marital and work instability, and alcohol-related health problems.
• Episodic violent and abusive incidents involving spouses and children and a history of unexplained or frequent accidents are often signs of drug or alcohol abuse.