Addiction to Alcohol
A chemical dependency on alcohol is known as
"alcoholism". Alcoholism refers to a disease known as
alcohol dependence syndrome. This is the most severe
stage of a group of drinking problems which begins
with binge drinking and alcohol abuse. Alcohol
problems occur at different levels of severity, from
mild and annoying to life-threatening.
Alcohol abuse becomes alcohol dependence when drinkers
begin to experience a craving for alcohol, a loss of
control of their drinking, withdrawal symptoms when
they are not drinking, and an increased tolerance to
alcohol so that they have to drink more to achieve the
same effect. Alcohol dependence is a chronic and often
progressive disease that includes a strong need to
drink despite repeated problems.
Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of
the gastrointestinal tract can occur with erosion of
the lining of the esophagus and stomach causing nausea
and vomiting, and possibly bleeding. Vitamins are not
absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional
deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol.
Alcohol affects the nervous system and can result in
nerve damage and severe memory loss. Chronic alcohol
use also increases the risk of cancer of the larynx,
esophagus, liver, and colon.
Withdrawal develops because the brain has physically
adapted to the presence of alcohol and cannot function
adequately in the absence of the drug. Alcohol
withdrawal symptoms may include a rapid heart rate,
restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, depression, loss of
appetite, seizures, an elevated temperature, increased
blood pressure, hallucinations and even death.
Psychological factors may include a need for relief of
anxiety, ongoing depression, unresolved conflict
within relationships, or low self-esteem. Social
factors include availability of alcohol, social
acceptance of the use of alcohol, peer pressure, and
stressful lifestyles.
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