Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse
Drug addiction receives much attention in the media, and in most people's minds is associated with the use of illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine. Of equal concern is the misuse of a legal drug: alcohol.
When used in moderation, alcohol is relatively harmless. There is increasing evidence that small amounts of alcohol may even have health benefits. However, in Western society an estimated one in 6 men and one in 12 women drink amounts of alcohol which could be damaging their health.
Effects of alcohol abuse
Although most people use alcohol in a responsible way, it is important to remember that it is a drug. Its main effect is to depress the nervous system.
Some people lose control of the way they use alcohol and become dependent on it. If this happens the person may have physical withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not available. These symptoms include anxiety, agitation, sweating and shakes. Bad cases may have vomiting, hallucinations and fits. Medically this is called delirium tremens (‘DTs’). Death has resulted from severe alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol dependence
As with most drug addictions, people with alcohol problems usually find they have to consume ever-increasing amounts to get the same effect. Most people start drinking in their teens and often drink heavily just at weekends. By the age of 25, most people have grown out of this style of living and moderate their drinking habits, but some go in the other direction and start drinking heavily and more frequently.
Consequences of alcohol addiction
The consequences of drinking excess alcohol come in 2 forms, acute and chronic.
- Acute (immediate) problems happen while the individual is drunk. These include getting into fights, having motor vehicle accidents, making a fool of oneself and loss of commonsense leading to risk-taking such as illegal drug use and sexual promiscuity.
- Chronic (over a long period of time) problems include social problems — such as family disruption, loss of employment, financial difficulties — emotional or psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, and physical problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, heart problems and brain damage.
Treatment of alcohol addiction
Much can be done to help those with alcohol problems, provided they are willing to come forward and seek assistance. Sadly the problem is often only revealed by some crisis, such as a motor accident, bankruptcy, marital breakdown, or other traumatic event.
If you are concerned that you or someone close to you might have an alcohol problem, discuss it with your doctor. Some early action can prevent serious problems later on.
Last Reviewed: 12 July 2001
