Alcoholism is a chronic and treatable disease that is characterized by the excessive physical and psychological dependence, craving and loss of control. Alcoholism is a term that is often used interchangeably with alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse, both of which have distinct clinical diagnostic criteria. In addition, alcohol abuse does not always include dependence, while alcoholism does. Alcoholism is a disease that often results in a cyclical fashion with tolerance, withdrawal and relapse. Alcoholism is a disease that results in many negative side effects and, if left untreated, can damage the person's personal and family life, work, health and legal standing.
Psychosocial Effects
Alcoholism can cause serious negative effects to a person's psychological well-being as well as damage to his social network. According to the Casa Palmera drug and alcohol treatment center, people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol on a regular basis often experience nervousness, apathy, irritability and restlessness. Other common psychological effects of alcoholism may include anxiety, depression, changes in personality, compulsive behavior and denial. Alcoholics may hide their drinking from friends and family in order to confrontation.
Liver Damage
Alcoholism can cause major damage to the liver. According to the National Institutes of Health, liver damage often occurs as a result of years of excessive drinking. Chronic consumption of alcohol puts the liver through enough stress that can lead to inflammation, scarring and blockage of the biliary ducts. Symptoms of alcohol-related liver disease may include abdominal pain and tenderness, fatigue, fever, abdominal bloating, yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite and nausea. Liver function tests can help patients determine if their symptoms are caused by liver dysfunction.
Other Physical Effects
Alcoholism can cause damage to several other body systems. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to heart disease including high blood pressure and certain kinds of stroke. Alcoholism may also raise the risk for developing certain forms of cancer especially the throat, mouth, esophagus, voice box and colon and rectum. Women who are chronic drinkers may also have an increased risk for breast cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are several causes and risk factors that may lead to alcoholism. According to the New York University Lagone Medical Center, some of the causes of alcoholism include a genetic predisposition, abnormal brain chemicals for processing alcohol, social pressures, emotional stress, physical pain, depression and adopting an alcoholic lifestyle from friends and family. Risk factors include being male, having family members that are alcoholics, drinking as a young teen, smoking, drug use and easy access to alcohol.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Another side effect of alcoholism is the cyclical abstinence and accompanying withdrawal symptoms. According to HelpGuide.org, withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, trembling, excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite and headache. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that withdrawal symptoms may be eased with the temporary use of benzodiazepines for anxiety and anti-convulsant drugs to help prevent seizures.
