Alcoholism

Alcoholism Alternative names alcohol dependence; habitual alchohol use Definition A illness marked by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Alcoholism is a type of drug dependence. There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself in withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of alcohol, and evidence of alcohol-associated illnesses. Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant resulting in a decrease of activity, , , and inhibitions. Even a low level of alcohol within the body slows reactions. Concentration and judgment become impaired. In excessive amounts, intoxication, or poisoning results. Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract can occur with of the lining of the stomach causing . are not absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol. , called , may also develop. The system may be affected by . Sexual dysfunction can also occur, causing erectile dysfunction in men and in women. during can cause problems in the developing fetus known as fetal alcohol syndrome. The development of dependence upon alcohol may occur over 5 to 25 years, following a relatively consistent alcohol, drinking, dependence, social, physical, over, control, within, person, intake, behavior, associated, alcoholic, tolerance, relationships, problems, parent, occur, occupational, mental, include, family, factors, effects, causing, cause, body, before, become, alcoholism, affects, affected, about, able, neglect, episodes, years, work, women, without, withdrawal, symptoms, whenever, violence, vary, upon, unresolved, understood, uncontrolled