Alchololism
Definition:
The abuse of alcohol. You have an alcohol problem if your use of alcohol interferes with your health or daily living. You develop alcoholism if you physically or emotionally depend on alcohol to get you through your day. Long-term heavy drinking damages the liver, nervous system, heart, and brain. It also causes high blood pressure, stomach problems, medication interactions, sexual problems, osteoporosis, and cancer. Alcohol abuse can also lead to violence, accidents, social isolation, and difficulties at work and home.
Signs and Symptoms:
The abuse of alcohol. You have an alcohol problem if your use of alcohol interferes with your health or daily living. You develop alcoholism if you physically or emotionally depend on alcohol to get you through your day. Long-term heavy drinking damages the liver, nervous system, heart, and brain. It also causes high blood pressure, stomach problems, medication interactions, sexual problems, osteoporosis, and cancer. Alcohol abuse can also lead to violence, accidents, social isolation, and difficulties at work and home.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Neglect of other Activities: Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use;
- Excessive Use: Alcohol is consumed in larger amounts over a longer period than intended;
- Impaired control: Ongoing, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol consumption;
- Persistence of Use: Alcohol consumption is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely caused or exacerbated by alcohol;
- Large Amounts of Time Spent in Alcohol Related Activities: A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use or recover from the effects of alcohol;
- Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking;
- Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.