 Facts
about Alcoholism
Definition:
An illness marked by consumption of alcoholic beverages at a
level that interferes with physical or mental health, and social,
family, or occupational responsibilities. People with alcohol
dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience
tolerance (a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol
to achieve intoxication or the desired effect), and withdrawal
symptoms when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased.
They also spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining
it. Alcohol abusers are "problem drinkers", that is,
they may have legal problems, such as drinking and driving,
or binge drinking (drinking six or more drinks on one occasion).
People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol return to its use
despite evidence of physical or psychological problems, though
those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater
compulsion to drink.
Alternative Names: Alcohol dependence; Alcohol abuse
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical
and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence
reveals itself by 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, anxiety, tension, and inhibitions.
Even a few drinks can result in behavioral changes, a slowing
in motor performance, and a decrease in the ability to think
clearly. Concentration and judgment become impaired. In excessive
amounts, intoxication may result.
Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal
tract can occur with erosion of the lining of the esophagus
and stomach causing nausea and vomiting, and possibly even bleeding.
Vitamins are not absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional
deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol. Liver disease,
called alcoholic hepatitis, may also develop and can progress
to cirrhosis. The heart may be affected by cardiomyopathy. Sexual
dysfunction can also occur, causing erectile dysfunction in
men and cessation of menstruation in women. Alcohol affects
the nervous system and can result in neuropathy and dementia.
Chronic alcohol use also increases the risk of cancer of the
larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause severe birth
defects. The most serious is fetal alcohol syndrome, which may
result in mental retardation and behavior problems; a milder
form of the condition which can still cause lifelong impairment
is called fetal alcohol affects.
The social consequences of problem drinking and alcohol dependence
can be as serious as the medical problems. People who abuse
or are dependent on alcohol have a higher incidence of unemployment,
domestic violence, and problems with the law. About half of
all traffic fatalities are related to alcohol use.
The development of dependence on alcohol may occur over a period
of years, following a relatively consistent pattern of progression.
At first, a tolerance of alcohol develops. This results in a
person being able to consume a greater quantity of alcohol before
its adverse effects are noticed. Memory lapses ("black
outs")relating to drinking episodes may follow tolerance.
Then, people may lose control over drinking and find it difficult
or impossible to stop if they try. The most severe drinking
behavior includes prolonged binges of drinking with associated
mental or physical complications. Some people are able to gain
control over their dependence in earlier phases before a total
lack of control occurs-- the problem is, no one knows which
heavy drinkers will be able to regain control and which will
not.
Withdrawal develops because the brain has physically adapted
to the presence of alcohol and cannot function adequately in
the absence of the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may include
elevated temperature, increased blood pressure, rapid heart
rate, restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, and rarely
even death.
There is no known common cause of alcoholism; however, several
factors may play a role in its development. A person who has
an alcoholic parent is more likely to become an alcoholic than
a person without alcoholism in the immediate family. Research
suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism
but which genes or how they exert their influence is controversial.
Psychological factors may include a need for relief of anxiety,
ongoing depression, unresolved conflict within relationships,
or low self-esteem. Social factors include availability of alcohol,
social acceptance of the use of alcohol, peer pressure, and
stressful lifestyles.
The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is increasing.
Data from many sources indicate that about 15% of the population
in the United States are "problem drinkers", and approximately
5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could
be diagnosed as alcohol dependent (12.5million people).
Drug abuse and dependence
Definition:
Drug dependence (addiction) is compulsive use of a substance
despite negative consequences which can be severe; drug abuse
is simply excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes
for which it was not medically intended.
Physical dependence on a substance (needing a drug to function)
is not necessary or sufficient to define addiction. There are
some substances that don't cause addiction but do cause physical
dependence (for example, some blood pressure medications) and
substances that cause addiction but not classic physical dependence
(cocaine withdrawal, for example, doesn't have symptoms like
vomiting and chills; it is mainly characterized by depression).
See also drug abuse and drug abuse first aid.
Alternative Names: Drug addiction; Addiction - drug
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. Drug dependence
may also follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief, though
this is rare in people without a previous history of addiction.
The exact cause of drug abuse and dependence is not known. However,
the genetic make-up of the individual, the pharmacology of the
particular drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety,
depression, and environmental stress are all factors, which
seem to be involved.
Risk factors that predispose people to drug dependence are different
from those that predispose to use or abuse. Peer pressure may
lead to use or abuse, but at least half of those who go on to
addiction have depression, attention-deficit disorder, post-traumatic
stress disorder or another psychological problem.
Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may
first see their parents using drugs. This may put them at a
higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both
environmental and genetic reasons.
Signs of drug use in
children include but are not limited to:
· A change in the child's friends, a new group
· Reclusive behavior
· Long unexplained periods away from home
· Lying
· Stealing
· Involvement with the law
· Deteriorating family relations
· Obvious intoxication (e.g., drunk), delirious, incoherent,
or unconscious
· Distinct changes in behavior and normal attitude
· Decreased school performance
Commonly abused substances include:
· Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers with
sedative and euphoric qualities. These include heroin, opium,
codeine, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Oxycontin
and others.
· Central nervous system stimulants include amphetamines,
cocaine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate
(Ritalin). The most commonly used stimulants are caffeine
and nicotine. These drugs have a stimulating effect and can
produce tolerance.
· Central nervous system depressants include barbiturates
(amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital), benzodiazepine
(Valium, Ativan, Xanax), chloral hydrate, and paraldehyde.
The most commonly used, by far, is alcohol. These substances
produce a soothing sedative and anxiety-reducing effect and
can lead to dependence.
· Hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin
("mushrooms"), and phencyclidine (PCP or "Angel
Dust"). They have hallucinogenic properties and can produce
psychological dependence.
· Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient
found in cannabis, marijuana, and hashish. Although used for
their relaxing properties, THC-derived drugs can also lead
to paranoia and anxiety.
Drug intoxication and drug overdose may be accidental or intentional.
Drug withdrawal symptoms can occur when use of a substance
is stopped or reduced. Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending
on the abused substance. The onset of withdrawal symptoms
depends on the length of time the drug normally stays within
the body. Drug intoxication, overdose, and withdrawal can
be life threatening in some situations.
Drug abuse first aid
Definition:
Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug,
including alcohol.
Alternative Names:
Overdose from drugs
Considerations:
Many street drugs have no therapeutic benefits. Any use of
these drugs is a form of drug abuse.
Legitimate medications can be abused by people who take more
than the recommended dose or who intentionally take them with
alcohol or other drugs.
Drug interactions also produce adverse effects. Therefore,
it is important to let your physician know about all the drugs
you are taking.
Many drugs are addictive. Sometimes the addiction is gradual,
while with others (such as cocaine), an addiction can happen
after only a few doses.
Someone who has become addicted to a drug will likely experience
withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Withdrawal
is greatly assisted by professional help.
A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic is called an
overdose. Prompt medical attention may save the life of someone
who accidentally or deliberately takes an overdose.
Drug emergencies are not always easy to identify. If you suspect
someone has overdosed, or if you suspect someone is experiencing
withdrawal, give first aid and seek medical assistance.
Causes:
· An overdose of narcotics can cause sleepiness and
even unconsciousness.
· Uppers (stimulants) produce excitement, increased
rate of heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Downers (depressants)
do just the opposite.
· Mind-altering drugs (hallucinogens), including LSD
and other street drugs, may produce paranoia, hallucinations,
aggressive behavior, or extreme social withdrawal.
· Cannabis-containing drugs, such as marijuana may
produce euphoria, relaxation, impaired motor skills, and increased
appetite.
Legal prescription drugs are sometimes taken in overdose to
achieve effects other than the therapeutic effects for which
they were intended. This may lead to exaggeration of their
effect (as can happen with uppers and downers), or serious
side effects.
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