Alcoholism

Definition

Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.

Alternative Names

Alcohol dependence; Alcohol abuse

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and mental dependence on alcohol.

Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People who are dependent on alcohol spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and getting it.

Physical dependence involves:

• A need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get drunk or achieve the desired effect (tolerance)
• Alcohol-related illnesses
• Memory lapses (blackouts) after drinking episodes
• Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped

The most severe drinking behavior includes long drinking binges that lead to mental or physical problems. Some people are able to gain control over their dependence in earlier phases before they totally lose control. But no one knows which heavy drinkers will be able to regain control and which will not.

There is no known common cause of alcoholism. However, several factors may play a role in its development. A person who has an alcoholic parent is more likely to become an alcoholic than a person without alcoholism in the immediate family.

Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes or how they work is not known.

Psychological factors may include:

• A need for anxiety relief
• Conflict in relationships
• Depression
• Low self-esteem

Social factors include:

• Ease of getting alcohol
• Peer pressure
• Social acceptance of alcohol use
• Stressful lifestyle

The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is rising. Data indicate that about 15% of people in the United States are problem drinkers, and about 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent.

Symptoms

Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant. This leads to a decrease in:

• Activity
• Anxiety
• Inhibitions
• Tension

Even a few drinks can change behavior, slow motor skills, and decrease the ability to think clearly. Alcohol can impair concentration and judgment. Drinking a lot of alcohol can cause drunkenness (intoxication).

Some of the symptoms of alcoholism include:

• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Drinking alone
• Episodes of violence with drinking
• Hostility when confronted about drinking
• Lack of control over drinking -- being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake
• Making excuses to drink
• Nausea and vomiting
• Need for daily or regular alcohol use to function
• Neglecting to eat
• Not caring for physical appearance
• Numbness and tingling
• Secretive behavior to hide alcohol use
• Shaking in the morning

Alcohol withdrawal develops because the brain adapts to the alcohol and cannot function well without the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Anxiety
• Confusion or seeing and hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
• Death (rarely)
• Increased blood pressure
• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
• Psychosis
• Raised temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Seizures
• Tremors

Content
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Reviewer Info: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 01/15/2009

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.