Alcohol Addiction

Overview

Alcohol addiction or also known as alcoholism, which many realizes that it is a disease-causing harm to their health while some are just accepting it as a habit of theirs. There are a number of common presentations that oblige the doctor to enquire carefully about the possibility of alcohol addiction. These are most readily grouped into medical (e.g. falla, fits, head injuries, hematemesis or jaundice), psychiatric (e.g. panic attacks, confusion state and deliberate self harm) and social (e.g. road traffic accidents, crime and domestic violence). A pattern of unhealthy or dangerous drinking habits, clinically known as an alcohol use disorder, can range in severity. Over time, it can affect the brain and lead to compulsive alcohol use and dependency, or alcoholism.

Signs and Symptoms

Consuming alcohol longer or more than intended, Wanting to stop taking alcohol but unable to, Spending a lot of time getting, drinking and recovering from alcohol intake, Experience craving and strong urge to take alcohol, Unable to focus or do things you are suppose to do at workplace, home or school due to alcohol use, Continue taking alcohol despite experiencing physical or psychological harm it caused to the body, Need larger amount of alcohol to get drunk, Developed withdrawal symptoms and relieved by taking more alcohol

Common Causes

Availability of alcohol, Social pattern of use

Risk Factors

Genetic, Parent with alcohol use disorder, Mental health problem, Peer pressure, Have low self esteem, Living in a culture where alcohol use is common

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Liver function test

Treatment and Prevention

Detoxification, Rehabilitation to learn coping skills and behavioral, Counselling, Support groups, Medical treatments for health problems related to alcohol abuse, Medication to help control addiction

Psychological Issues

Depression, Stress, Anxiety