Alcoholic

An alcoholic is considered someone who engages in excessive drinking resulting in physical, social, and emotional problems. Physical problems range from simple dependency and addiction to serious health problems such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, or cancer. Severe mental incapacitation in alcoholics is the leading cause of motor vehicular accidents in the world. Social problems run the gamut of bizarre behavior to acquire drinks to total loss of interest in activities resulting in loss of jobs, spouse, and self respect. Emotional problems usually are that of depression, withdrawals, adjustment disorders, poor anger management, and violence.

Approximately 14 million Americans abuse alcohol, resulting in approximately 110,000 alcohol related deaths and a cost of approximately $100 billion in lost productivity and health expenses, this is according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.

Risk factors for alcoholism are:

• Early onset of drinking
• Male gender, socially increases the risk factor
• Alcoholic family
• Emotional roller coaster

Medical Conditions Associated with Alcoholism:

• Liver Disease - Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Cancer
• Pancreas Disease - Pancreatitis
• Heart Disease - Hypertension, Heart Failure, Heart Attacks
• Sex Disease - Erectile Dysfunction
• Birth Defects - Birth Defects, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Sugar Disease - Hypoglycemia, especially in diabetics
• Nerve Disease - Numbness of Hands and Feet, Problems Thinking, Early Aging, Weak Mind

Treatment of alcoholism is very difficult because of the chemical changes in the brain that make alcoholics more dependent on alcohol for daily living. Treatments are best tailored to the individual alcoholic. Several organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving have proven success rates and good track records for returning alcoholics to normal routine living.

If you think you are, or aware of someone who may be and alcoholic, seek help at once.