According to the Mayo Clinic, alcoholism is a chronic condition indicating physiological dependence, which also manifests as psychological disturbance and behavioral change. Alcoholism is clinically diagnosed when drinking continues despite the resulting negative consequences in social, relational and occupational areas of life. Diagnostic criteria is further indicated by an increase in tolerance for the substance, inability to cut down despite efforts and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use. Concerning issues for consideration due to alcoholism include health complications, levels of intoxication or withdrawal and the devastation caused for an individual and others.
Intoxication Stages
Intoximeters Incorporated says that alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the blood then distributed to the rest of the body. The higher the blood alcohol concentration, the more significant the symptoms of intoxication. Low alcohol concentration causes mild euphoria, diminished attention and altered levels of judgment. High concentration causes disorientation and loss of motor functions, including incontinence and coma. In extreme intoxication, death from respiratory arrest can occur. In non-drinkers or people with infrequent alcohol use, excessive drinking can result in severe intoxication. However, in people with chronic alcoholism, high blood concentration levels are sustained or require more alcohol to induce extreme clinical consequence. Essentially, this is referred to as tolerance. Tolerance creates dangerous drinking behavior as the recognizable signs of intoxication become delayed for the chronic drinker, which ultimately leads to over-drinking and alcohol toxicity.
Health Conditions
According to the Mayo Clinic, alcoholism causes health problems such as liver disorders and digestive complications. Excessive alcohol use interferes in the absorption of nutrients such as B vitamins and increases the risk of gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism further notes that alcoholic liver disease is one of the leading causes of alcohol-related deaths because of toxicity to the liver.
Women's Health
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicates more than 5 million women in the United States drink in a way that threatens health and overall well-being. The institute further explains that women are more susceptible to health complications because they have a higher concentration of water in the body, which increases absorption of alcohol and exposure to the toxic byproducts.
Effects on Others
According to Drug Addiction Support, spouses of alcoholics have minimal support in parenting and maintaining responsibilities in the home. Children of alcoholics become confused about what normal in a family is, as well as having to take on various roles for keeping the secret of alcoholism from the outside world. Society is impacted by alcoholism from bearing the burden of alcohol-related crimes through paying for incarceration, law enforcement and health-care costs.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from alcohol refers to symptoms occurring after a person with chronic alcoholism tries to quit drinking. Medline Plus says that symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. Withdrawal can begin as quickly as five hours after cessation from drinking and includes fever, seizures and rapid heart rate. In the event of severe alcohol withdrawal, medical detoxification is indicated to monitor symptoms and manage high blood pressure, heart rate disturbance and confusion.
