Risks of Alcoholism?
The disorder is more common in men than in women. In the United States it is estimated that about ten per cent of adult males and about three per cent of adult females are alcoholics. People with alcoholic parents seem to be particularly susceptible, probably because of environmental rather than genetic factors. Some people have symptoms of alcoholism in adolescence or even earlier, but most alcoholics are between 35 and 55.
Alcoholism can affect every system of the body. Although exact figures are not known, it is thought that at least one in five long-term heavy drinkers develops cirrhosis of the liver . Heavy drinking makes the liver particularly susceptible to infection and may cause serious diseases of the stomach, heart and brain. Because alcoholics seldom eat adequately, they are likely to have vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B deficiency . And a pregnant woman who drinks alcohol, whether she is an alcoholic or not, increases the chances of having a mentally retarded or physically deformed baby.
Another danger associated with alcoholism and heavy drinking is traffic accidents. Many injuries and deaths occur on the roads because the judgment of drivers is impaired by alcohol. Alcoholics also are difficult to live with because they are often irritable, and sometimes violent. As a result, the alcoholic risks breaking up his or her family. The same problems of irritability and impaired judgment that affect the alcoholic’s home life and driving skill can also affect job performance, and may result in the loss of a job.
What Should be Done?
If you detect signs of an early stage of alcoholism in yourself, cut down on the amount and frequency of your social drinking for your family’s sake as well as your own. If you find that this is impossible to do, seek help without further delay. Get in touch with a physician or the nearest branch of Alcoholics Anonymous, a world wide organization that has been helpful to many people with drinking problems. If someone close to you shows symptoms of alcoholism but denies that he or she is drinking too much (as alcoholics often do), consult a physician about the problem. You cannot force someone to seek help, but persuasion by a physician, social worker or other professional is sometimes effective.
What is The Treatment?
For treatment to be successful, the alcoholic must recognize the existence of the problem and be determined to grapple with it. The most satisfactory solution, of course, is simply to control your drinking. Unfortunately, total abstinence from alcohol is the only effective solution for many addicts. For people in later stages of alcoholism, an in hospital “dryingout” process is usually necessary. This treatment involves complete abstinence, which often leads to withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (commonly known as the DTs). To help you through the most uncomfortable period at the beginning of this process, tranquilizers may be prescribed. You may also be given vitamins if you have a vitamin deficiency.
Psychotherapy is one way of continuing treatment after the initial drying-out period. Probably the most successful treatment is through Alcoholics Anonymous. There are local chapters throughout the country, made up of all kinds of people. In some cases a medication may be prescribed. The alcoholic takes this drug each morning, and this discourages drinking because the combination of alcohol with the drug produces nausea, vomiting and sweating. No such treatment will work, however, unless the alcoholic genuinely wants it to and never “forgets” to take a daily dose.
What are The Long-Term Prospects?
The general outlook for alcoholics depends to a large extent on themselves. If you drink too much, it may be because of nearly unbearable social and business pressures. But if you are determined to give up alcohol, you can.
Tags:adolescence, alcoholic parents, alcoholics, heavy drinkers, judgment, pregnant woman symptoms of alcoholism