ALCOHOL ABUSE

Drinking is woven into the fabric of many societies—sharing a bottle of wine over a meal, going out for drinks with friends, celebrating special occasions with champagne. But because alcohol is such a common, popular element in many activities, it can be hard to see when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking.

If you consume alcohol simply to feel good, or to avoid feeling bad, your drinking could become problematic. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can sneak up on you, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take steps to cut back if you recognize them. Understanding the problem is the first step to overcoming it.

 Understanding Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are due to many interconnected factors, including genetics, how you were raised, your social environment, and your emotional health. Some racial groups, such as American Indians and Native Alaskans, are more at risk than others of developing alcohol addiction. People who have a family history of alcoholism or who associate closely with heavy drinkers are more likely to develop drinking problems. Finally, those who suffer from a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder are also particularly at risk, because alcohol may be used to self-medicate.

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

TREATMENT

Three general steps are involved in treatment once the disorder has been diagnosed:

·                 Intervention

·                 Detoxification

·                 Rehabilitation

  

Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent relapses.

• Acamprosate is a new drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces very unpleasant side effects if you drink even a small amount of alcohol within 2 weeks after taking the drug.
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol) decreases alcohol cravings. It is available in an injected form.

You cannot take these medications if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Long-term treatment with counseling or support groups is often necessary. The effectiveness of medication and counseling varies.

R. Y. MANABAT, R.N.