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