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According to the primary diagnostic manual of the psychology and psychiatry professions (the DSM-IV) alcohol abuse or alcoholism is defined as repeated use, excessively despite recurrent adverse consequences. Meaning the alcoholic mind, as with any substance abuser, is aware of the consequences he is creating for himself but is unable to stop drinking regardless of the consequences. These consequences vary in severity to include Physical, Mental, and Social aspects.
Studies have shown that alcohol abuse can have an effect on a variety of organs in the body. The organs most likely effected are the cardiovascular system, liver, pancreas and central nervous system, to include an increase in epilepsy, alcoholic dementia, nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, and polyneuropathy.These physical effects of alcohol abuse or alcoholism can range from mild to severe, and can even result in death. Cirrhosis of the liver is the leading cause of death in the alcohol abuser and consequently the leading cause of liver disease here in the United States. Alcohol is made when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented, a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol. The kind of alcohol that people drink is ethanol, which is a sedative or depressant. When alcohol is consumed it's absorbed into a person's bloodstream and begins to affect the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Because these control all body functions, alcohol blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's senses, perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and ability to hear and reason, with others or themselves. Mental consequences of alcoholism include anxiety disorder, depression, organic brain disorder and increase the risk of suicide.
When the central nervous system is affected, it is difficult for the alcohol abuser to reason with himself or be reasoned with by others, thus resulting in negative social effects. There are many such as loss of employment, increased risk of criminal behavior, marital and family problems and increased risk of domestic violence. There are many results of alcoholism which include physical, mental and social...most of which are negative consequences ranging from mild to severe, and can even result in death!
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Alcohol withdrawl Symptoms Alcohol Withdrawal occurs when an individual abruptly discontinues the consumption of alcohol after chronic or prolonged, continual use. Everyone will not experience the same symptoms once they've discontinued the alcohol, and it may not affect some individuals at all. There is no way of knowing which withdrawal symptoms will effect a person, because everyone's body and tolerance level is different. However, it is important to know the signs of Alcohol Withdrawal. Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on the addiction level of the individual. Mild Cases involves feelings of: - Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Nervousness, feeling jumpy or having the shakes
Moderate Cases include some or all of the above symptoms and normally may also involves more physical effects such as: - Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Racing Heart
Severe Cases involve: - Loss of Consciousness
- Seizures
- High Fever
- Hallucinations
Any of the above symptoms of alcohol withrawal should be considered dangerous and should be taken very seriously. The withdrawal from Alcohol puts a strain on the individual and also their loved ones. So it is important to seek help or medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.
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Because the brain in a teenager is not completely developed until they are approximately 21 years old, teens drink excessively no matter how much they drink! Sadly, 8 percent of eighth graders, 16 percent of sophomores, and 24 percent of seniors recently report drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion. Statistics show that the majority of current teen drinkers got drunk in the previous month. That includes 50 percent of the high school sophomores who drink and 65 percent of the high school seniors who drink. Because of underdeveloped reasoning skills, these teens are at risk for injury and potential life long alcohol abuse, especially if they come from a history of parental alcohol abuse. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 5,000 kids under the age of 21 die every year because of drinking underage. Causes of death range from automobile accidents, suicides, homicides, etc. Automobile accidents among teenagers 15 to 21 years old claim the lives of approximately 1,900 every year with an astoundingy number of approximately 300 committing suicide annually! Alcohol, like marijuana, is considered a gateway high or drug because it can open the door to the use of heavier substances such as cocaine, crack cocaine, heroine, etc. Although alcohol is addicting in and by itself, to add the use of other substances can make it much more difficult to find sobriety. Some of the signs that your teenager may be abusing alcohol are: - Academic performance changes or skips school
- Becoming secretive or withdrawn
- Smell of alcohol
- Wanting to stay at a friends house, especially after a party
- Using breath mints or brushing teeth more
- Lacking coordination in speech or movement
- Being overly excitable or moody
- Changing sleep patterns or tired during the day
- Lack of interest
- Borrowing money excessively
- Lying
If you suspect your teen is drinking, it is advisable to act immediately rather than wait. Getting your teen the help they need at an early age can reduce the risk of alcohol dependency later on in life!
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Binge Drinking is defined as drinking many alcoholic beverages with the intention of getting drunk in a short period of time. Binge drinking definded in the United States is five or more drinks in a row for men and four or more in a row for women, having done this at least twice or more in the two previous weeks. Binge drinking usually does not happen every day but occurs, on average, 3 times a week. No matter the number of drinks, a rapid consumption of alcohol (shots, chugging or games) is often typical of a binge drinker. To most people, binge drinking is self-destructive and the uncontrolled drinking can result in missing of school and/or work, ignoring responsibilities, spending excessive amounts of money, and engaging in other harmful behaviors. Numerous reports say that college students, teen drinkers or indivduals between the age of 18-22 are the most likely binge drinkers. The trouble with binge drinking at this early age is it most likely will lead to alcoholism in adults. However, anyone can be a binge drinker, and noticing signs that there is a problem is essential. Some signs that point to binge drinking: - Getting drunk intentionally and frequently Alcohol is more important than work and/or relationships
- Blacks out after drinking too much
- Suffers memory loss while on a binge
- Violent behavior when drinking
With that said, there are a number of serious problems that occur from binge drinking. · Alcohol Poisoning is probably the most common · Loss of coordination which leads to unintentional injuries · Impaired judgment which can lead to unplanned pregnancy or an STD · Black outs · Serious health related problems such as liver disease, high blood pressure or heart disease If you or a loved one have similar symptoms as the above and you believe that there may be a issue with binge drinking, please seek the advice of a health care professional. Don't Wait!
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Depression Alcoholism has been linked to many disorders including anxiety disorder, insomnia, as well as depression. Depression is one of the most prevalent disorders. Because alcohol is a depressant, it is not known whether or not alcohol causes or enhances the depression. In a recent study conducted, it was found that over 67 percent of all patients admitted for clinical help for the treatment of alcoholism were considered to be in a state of major depression. After detoxification was completed, only 18 percent of those same patients were still considered to be majorly depressed. It was also noted that anti-depressants were not, nor were they needed to be, perscribed to any of these patients after the detoxification took place, which would leave the impression that it was clearly the alcohol that caused the depressive state of mind. Signs and Symptoms of depression are: - Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Inability to concentrate or finding that previously easy tasks are now difficult
- Feelings of hopeless and helpless
- Can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
- Loss of appetite, overeating, or binge/purge eating
- Irritable and short-tempered, more than usual
- Thoughts that life is not worth living or of suicide
If you have any of the above signs and symptoms, especially thoughts that life isn't worth living and that you'd rather die, please seek medical attention. If it is a loved one, get them the help they need. If they are in an alcohol induced state of depression, it is very possible that without the proper reasoning skills needed and suppressed by the alcohol, you or your loved one could cause injury or death to themselves or others. Sobriety is a key factor in healing alcoholic depression!
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Alcohol
