Alcoholism
Original Editors - Stephanie Gloyeske from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
- Alcoholism is a serious disease where people have an overpowering desire for the physical and mental effects of drinking alcoholic beverages. (encyclopedia)
- The formal term is alcohol dependence.
- It is the most severe type of alcohol problem.
- A chronic disease that makes your body dependent on alcohol. (mayo)
Prevalence
[edit | edit source]
• Alcoholism is the most common drug abuse problem in the US, affecting more than 15 million Americans, including the adolescent and aging populations. (patho book 76)
• Affects 1 in every 12 adults in the US (NIAAA)
• Men are typically more dependent that women (NIAAA)
• Problems are highest among young adults 18-29 and lowest among adults 65+ (NIAAA)
• The earlier one starts drinking (ie 14 or younger) the more likely they will develop alcohol related problems (NIAAA)
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
• Continued drinking even after drinking has caused problems such as missing work, driving drunk, getting into trouble with the law, or avoid responsibilities.
• Three out of the following seven symptoms experienced during a one year period is considered alcoholism: (alcoholism.about.com)
o Neglect of activities – important activities are given up because of alcohol
o Excessive use – large amounts of alcohol is consumed over a period of time
o Impaired control – cannot quite on own
o Persistence of use – consumption is continued despite knowing it is a problem
o Large amounts of time spent in alcohol related activities
o Withdrawal – experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety with alcohol is stopped
o Tolerance – increasing amount in order to feel effects
• Mayo Clinic symptoms
o Drinking alone or in secret
o “Blacking out”
o Keeping alcohol in unlikely places
o Feeling a need/compulsion to drink
o Becoming intoxicated intentionally
• Affects the CNS (depressant) leading to: (medline)
o Activity
o Anxiety
o Inhibitions
o tension
• Symptoms include (medline):
o Abdominal pain
o Confusion
o Episodes of violence with drinking
o Hostility when confronted about drinking
o Making excuses to drink
o Need for daily/regular alcohol use to function
o Neglecting to eat
o Not caring for physical appearance
o Numbness & tingling
o Shaking in the morning
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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