Alcoholism

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Alcoholism

Alcoholism, is an illness involving the excessive use of alcoholic beverages, whether it's a can of beer or other sources such as vodka, and whiskey etc. It often affects a lot of people and their families. I will discuss the symptoms of alcoholism. I will continue into the effects of alcoholism. Then conclude with the treatment of the disease. It is a very serious disease.

Alcoholism has been often been thought of as a symptom of a psychological or social problem, or as a learned, behavior to cope with the everyday problems peoples lives. More recently alcoholism has become recognized disease of it's own Alcoholism usually develops over a period of a few years. Early symptoms include spending an excessive amount of limited income on alcohol. The availability of the alcohol influences the person's choice of friends and the things that they do. Alcohol becomes used as

more of a relaxer than as a casual beverage. At first, the alcoholic may have a high tolerance of alcohol, drinking more and showing less effects than other drinkers.

Alcohol begins to be more important than the persons relationships, work, or even their health. The person progresses by losing control over their drinking and are not able to control their habit. A physical addiction may come later to avoid the effects of a hangover.

The effects on major organ systems include a wide range of digestive disorders such as ulcers, inflammation of the pancreas, and cirrhosis of the liver. The nervous system can also be permanently damaged. Blackouts, hallucinations, and extreme tremors may occur to the person as a direct result of drinking alcohol. Studies have evidence that shows that heavy or even moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the unborn child. This is known as fetal alcohol syndrome.

About 10 percent of all the adult drinkers in the U.S. are considered alcoholics or they have some sort of drinking problem. The consumption of alcohol is currently rising in the U.S., and other countries like the U.S.S.R. and some of the European countries. There is also an increase of alcohol-related problems in other nations, including the Third World.

Specialized treatment facilities within general or psychiatric hospitals are rapidly increasing in number. One of them is known as Charter. Earlier and better treatment has led to high recovery rates.

In addition to physical complications and withdrawal symptoms, treatment involves counseling and group therapy such as AA are directed at complete recovery from the symptoms from alcoholism.

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