Information about Alcoholism
We Have to Know about the Alcoholism
- Preoccupation with alcohol and impaired control over alcohol intake
Could be dangerous, if the answer is YES for any one of the following questions
- Severe epigastric pain?
Causes of Alcoholism
- Alcohol alters the balance of some chemicals in the brain, which inhibits impulsiveness and excites the nervous system
- Alcohol raises levels of dopamine, which is associated with the pleasurable aspects of drinking alcohol
- High levels of stress, anxiety or emotional pain can lead some people to drink alcohol to block out the turmoil
- Having low-self esteem or depression
- Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly
- The glamorous way that drinking alcohol is portrayed in advertising and in the media may send the message that it’s OK to drink excessively
Do’s and Don’ts of Alcoholism
- Set a good example with your own alcohol use. Talk openly with your child and spend quality time together, but respect your child’s need for independence
- Let your child know what behavior you expect — and what the consequences will be if he or she doesn’t follow the rules
- Make sure your child understands the legal and medical consequences of drinking
Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Not remembering conversations or commitments
- Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure
- Feeling a need or compulsion to drink
- Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car
- Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel “normal”
- Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — if you don’t drink
Medical advice for Alcoholism
- If you feel that your drinking is a problem
- You feel guilty about your drinking and just can’t control it
- You need a drink first thing in the morning
Risk factors of Alcoholism
- People who begin drinking at an early age — by age 16
- Genetic makeup may increase your risk of alcohol dependency.
- Men are more likely to become dependent
- Family history
- Being severely depressed or having anxiety
- Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Treatment for Alcoholism
- Evaluation, a brief intervention, an outpatient program or counseling, or a residential inpatient stay
Self-care for Alcoholism
- Early intervention is particularly important to prevent alcohol dependence in teenagers. If you have a teenager, be alert to signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol:
- Less or no interest in activities and hobbies
- Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and memory lapses
- Declining grades and problems in school
- Frequent mood changes and defensive behavior
Investigations for Alcoholism
- Blood urea
- SGOT and SGPT enzymes
- a/g ratio [albumin]/globulin
