Alcoholism: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Their Treatment

Alcoholism Symptoms - Ethyl Alcohol or Ethanol is the intoxicating ingredient in wine, beer, and liquor which affects the human body adversely. Excessive alcohol consumption causes deformation of the brain, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, impaired judgment, slow reflexes, lack of coordination, flushed appearance, and blurred vision. Alcohol Abuse is the condition whereby the drinker can set limits on the consumption. On the other hand, Alcoholism refers to a disease known as Alcohol Dependence Syndrome.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and affects thoughts, emotions, and judgment. It also affects speech and muscle coordination. Overindulgence may cause a life-threatening Coma or even lead to death.

This is the most severe stage of a group of drinking problems which begins with Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse. Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but it also involves another element - physical dependence on alcohol.

Alcoholism Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Causes of Alcoholism:

Various social, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors lead to Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Some of the common causes include:

• Family history of Alcoholism
• Severe childhood trauma
• Lack of family support
• Physical/sexual abuse
• Peer pressure
• Psychological issues such as Depression, Anxiety and much more

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse:

The signs and symptoms of Alcohol Abuse include:

• Neglecting responsibilities
• Violating rules, such as drinking and driving, operating machinery when drunk
• Experiencing legal problems such as getting arrested for driving when drunk
• Experiencing problems with family & friends
• Drinking to reduce stress and to relax

Alcoholism Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of Alcoholism include all the above. Additionally, it also includes:

• Neglecting social, occupational, or recreational activities.
• Consuming large amounts of alcohol over a longer period than intended.
• Unsuccessful efforts to control consumption of alcohol.
• Spending lots of time in alcohol-related activities which include obtaining & consuming alcohol, as well as recovering from the effects.
• Feeling the need to increase the amount of alcohol to feel its effect.
• Drinking alone or hiding and drinking.
• Not remembering conversations.
• Becoming irritable if alcohol is not available.
• Storing alcohol in unlikely places at home and office.
• Losing interest in hobbies.
• Withdrawal symptoms include Nausea, Sweating, Anxiety, Tremor, Headache, and much more.

Consultation:

Contact a General Physician and a Counsellor to treat Alcoholism.

Tests and Investigations:

There are no specific tests to diagnose Alcoholism. However, the doctor may recommend other tests for health problems linked to alcohol use. Correct diagnosis of Alcoholism depends on the drinker's willingness to honestly answer questions about his or her drinking. The most common screening tests include:

• The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
• The CAGE Test for Alcohol Addiction
• The AUDIT Test for Alcohol Addiction

Treatment Modalities Available:

Alcoholism is treatable and many treatment programs & approaches are available in this regard. Depending on the stage of Alcoholism, the treatment may involve a brief intervention, personal or group counselling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay.

The treatment for Alcoholism includes:

• Detoxification Programs
• Rehabilitation and Psychological Counselling
• Oral Medication
• Injected Medication
• Post Treatment Care Programs
• Treatment for Problems relating Alcoholism, such as High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, Liver Diseases, Heart Diseases and much more.

Also Read: How Alcohol Affects the Brain

Complication in Management:

Excessive drinking reduces judgement skills and lowers inhibitions, leading to poor choices and hazardous situations or behaviours, such as:

• Road accidents
• Domestic problems
• Poor performance
• Increased  possibility of committing crimes

Health problems caused by excessive drinking include:

• Liver Diseases
• Heart Diseases
• Digestive Problems
• Diabetes
• Sexual Function and Menstruation
• Eye Problems
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome during Pregnancy
• Weakened Immune System
• Neurological Complications
• Increased risk of Cancer and much more

Precautions during Treatment:

The alcohol withdrawal symptoms force many people to go back to drinking. They start drinking again to feel better. Recovery from Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism needs a broad-based approach, which may include family involvement, group therapy, education programs, and participation in self-help groups. During the treatment, the patient may come across many challenges which may discourage him. However, regular counselling, medication, and support from family help the patient to recover.

Dietary and Physical Activity Requirements during the Course of the Treatment:

Diet: Alcoholics are often deficient in Vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, and Folic Acid. Restoring such nutrients through a nutritious diet helps the patient to recover fast and enables him to lead a normal life.

Physical Activity: Exercises and walks release chemicals in the brain that provide a "natural high." Hence, physical activity can help the patient to recover fast.

Risk of Infection to other Family Members:

There is no risk of infection to the family members though Alcoholism does have a genetic influence.

Prevention to Avoid Recurrence:

Post-Treatment Care Programs and Support Groups help people recover from Alcoholism, manage relapses, and cope with necessary lifestyle changes. This may include medical & psychological care or attending support group activities. People involved with some type of regular spiritual practice may find it easier to maintain recovery from Alcoholism.

Support from Family:

Many people with Alcoholism are unaware that they are suffering from a disease. Intervention from the family helps the patient recognise and accept that he or she needs professional help. During the treatment love and care from the family helps the patient to recover fast.