Alcohol consumption may cause different reactions in different people. The same amount of alcohol can cause varied reactions in different people. Funnily, the very same person too may have different reactions to the same amount of alcohol on different occasions. Alcohol consumption thus causes a wide range of health problems and affects each and every body system.
The central nervous system, made up of the spinal cord and brain, has an important role to play in the functioning of human body. The effects of alcohol take place on many parts of this system. A low dose of alcohol reduces tension and lowers inhibitions. It may slow reflexes and reduce coordination powers. In medium doses alcohol can alter emotions and make one sleepy. A high dose of alcohol can produce breathing difficulties and unconsciousness. Sometimes it can be even fatal. Prolonged use of alcohol can damage the frontal lobes of the brain and cause a reduction in brain size. It may result in tolerance to the effects of alcohol and lead to Alcoholism
Alcoholism and depression
Alcoholism and depression tend to co-exist and both may transmit genetically as well. Many studies show that depressive syndrome is higher among alcoholics than among non-alcoholics. Alcohol induces biological changes similar to that of depression. Sometimes alcohol misuse can be considered as a symptom of depression also. Suicide is a significant risk in people who have alcohol related problems. In fact, presence of alcohol is detected in about 60% of the suicide victims at the time of death. A study shows that alcoholics are twice as likely as others to commit suicide in the home.
Alcoholism Image
Alcoholism Image
domingo, 19 de agosto de 2007
Alcohol Rehabilitation and Treatment
Symptoms
A strong need to drink and the inability to limit one’s drinking are the most visible symptoms of alcoholism. An increasing tolerance to the effects of alcohol is an important symptom. The amount of alcohol they need to drink in order to get elevated increases steadily. A perennial interest in drinking and the habit of drinking alone are also common among alcoholics. When alcohol use is stopped, alcoholics show withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, instability, and anxiety.
Diagnosis of Alcoholism
As alcoholics often attempt to hide their problem, the screening tests are designed to draw out answers related to problems associated with drinking rather than direct questions like the quantity of liquor consumed or other drinking habits.
The C.A.G.E. test (Cut, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener) is an internationally used screening tool. The test is made up of four questions used to assess someone’s risk for alcohol abuse. The four questions are:
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Four positive answers indicate alcoholism. This test proved successful among white men, but not very accurate for older people, white women, and African and Mexican Americans.
A strong need to drink and the inability to limit one’s drinking are the most visible symptoms of alcoholism. An increasing tolerance to the effects of alcohol is an important symptom. The amount of alcohol they need to drink in order to get elevated increases steadily. A perennial interest in drinking and the habit of drinking alone are also common among alcoholics. When alcohol use is stopped, alcoholics show withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, instability, and anxiety.
Diagnosis of Alcoholism
As alcoholics often attempt to hide their problem, the screening tests are designed to draw out answers related to problems associated with drinking rather than direct questions like the quantity of liquor consumed or other drinking habits.
The C.A.G.E. test (Cut, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener) is an internationally used screening tool. The test is made up of four questions used to assess someone’s risk for alcohol abuse. The four questions are:
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Four positive answers indicate alcoholism. This test proved successful among white men, but not very accurate for older people, white women, and African and Mexican Americans.
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