Alcoholism: A very real and serious

disease    

During college years it is very common, if not habitual for students to consume
alcohol on the weekends and sometimes during the week. Because alcohol is so readily
available and usually present at every college party, drinking becomes “the thing to do”.
Social drinking on the weekends is one thing, but many take it much farther than that.
Some students look to get wasted or belligerently intoxicated. When students get into the
habit of abusing alcohol to get drunk on a consistent basis this becomes a problem, and the
disease known as alcoholism can develop. As a college student it becomes clear to me that
some of my peers and acquaintances are developing signs of abusive drinking and in some
cases signs of alcoholism have already begun to set in. Because of these reasons, I am
curious to find out what alcoholism is, the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, possible
causes, risk factors leading to alcoholism, screening and diagnosis, possible treatments,
and how to avoid becoming an alcoholic. Gaining knowledge about this topic is important
to me because of my connection with people who are family members of alcoholics, as
well as individuals who may be potential alcoholics.
Alcoholism can be defined as an addiction to the consumption to alcoholic liquor or the
mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from physical dependence of alcohol
(dictionary.com). Because it is a physical dependence, and affects the brain, alcoholism is
a very difficult illness to be cured of. What ultimately triggers the onset of alcoholism in
the brain is debated; the fact of the matter is it is onset in terms of the drinkers relationship
with alcohol. According to collegedrinkingprevention.gov use, misuse, heavy use, abuse,
addiction and dependence are the common labels used to describe drinking habits. Use
refers to simple use alcohol; an individual who drinks any alcoholic beverage is using
alcohol. Misuse, heavy use, and problem use suggest consumption of alcohol beyond the
point where it causes physical, social, or moral harm to the individual. Abuse and
dependence are defined as a preoccupation with the consumption of alcohol, and a physical
desire to consume alcohol. In addition to these levels of alcohol use and misuse, there are
four symptoms described by collegedrinkingprevention.gov, these are craving; a strong
need, or urge to drink, loss of control; not being able to stop drinking once drinking has
begun, physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness,
or anxiety after stopping drinking. And tolerance; the need to drink greater amounts of
alcohol to feel drunk.
This can come to the point where an alcoholic’s craving to consume alcohol can be as
strong as the need for food and water; because of this an alcoholic will continue to drink,
despite serious family, health, or legal problems.
“Alcoholism is considered a chronic, often progressive disease, and left untreated
alcoholism can be fatal” (mayoclinic.com). Because it is chronic, it will stay with the
alcoholic until death, unless treated. The symptoms of alcoholism listed in the previous
paragraph can also be applied to alcohol abuse, but abuse can lead to dependence, and
criteria set up by the CAGE questionnaire; a method to screen for alcoholism can
determine if an abuser is actually an alcoholic. The questions are as follows. “ Have you
ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking? Have people annoyed you by criticizing
your drinking? Have you ever felt guilty about drinking? And, Have you ever felt you
needed a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves (an eye-opener)? Answering
yes to two or more of these questions can indicate alcoholism.
Because the signs and symptoms are mainly overt, they are easily recognized. But what is
more difficult to diagnose and understand is the cause of alcoholism. According to the
Mayo Health Clinic, drinking alcohol alters the balance of chemicals in the brain, such as
gamma-amino butyric acid, which inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamate, which excite the
nervous system. Alcohol also raises dopamine levels in the brain, which is responsible for
the good feeling one gets from consuming alcohol. Because excessive drinking over a long
period of time can deplete or increase the levels of dopamine, the body begins to crave
alcohol to restore the brain to equilibrium. This is similar to other forms of drug addiction.
Other than chemical imbalance, other factors can lead to alcohol abuse than causes
addiction. These factors are: Genetics, which is passed down from parents to children.
Emotional state, high levels of stress or anxiety can lead some people to abuse alcohol and
develop a problem. Psychological problems, such as having low self-esteem or depression
may make you more likely to abuse alcohol, also having friends or a partner who drinks
regularly could promote excessive drinking. This is because it is difficult to distance
yourself from people who are close to you who may be drinking. There are also social and
cultural factors that glamorize drinking, and portray that it is normal to drink excessively.
These are some factors that can lead to the onset of alcoholism, but when diagnosing
alcoholism it is also important to examine the risk factors.
As mentioned earlier, steady drinking over a period of time can produce a physical
dependence. According to collegedrinkingprevention.com, drinking more than 15 drinks a
week for men or 12 drinks a week for women increases the risk of developing dependence.
But drinking alone is a single risk factor that can contribute to alcoholism. Other factors
include age; people who start drinking in their teens are at a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
Genetics and family history; a person is more likely to develop alcoholism if their parents
abused alcohol. And emotional disorders are also a factor, being severely depressed or
having anxiety places one at a greater risk of abusing alcohol. Also adults with ADHD may
be more likely to become dependent or abusive (mayoclinic.com).
Similar to the causes of alcoholism, it is difficult for doctors to decide which people to
screen for alcoholism because some of the signs and symptoms can lead to other illnesses,
and it is very rare that an alcoholic will openly admit their abuse of alcohol (American
Psychological Association). As previously mentioned, doctors may ask a series of
questions about drinking habits in order to get an indication of the amount of drinking.
According to the Mayo Health Clinic, blood tests that measure the size of red blood cells,
which increase with long-term alcohol abuse. Other tests are also used to indicate health
problems related to heavy consumption, such as tests showing liver damage or reduced
testosterone levels in men. Because the signs of alcoholism cannot be easily discovered by
medical tests doctors often speak with family members or friends about the alcoholics
drinking habits. The doctor needs to ask others because alcoholics very often deny the
extent of their drinking (apa.org).
Because alcoholics seldom admit their problem with alcohol, the disease goes untreated
and multiple health complications can occur. Collegedrinkingprevention.com says that
over time, excessive alcohol use can cause fatigue and short-term memory loss, as well as
weakness and paralysis of your eye muscles. More seriously, however are liver disorders,
such as cirrhosis, which is the irreversible and progressive destruction of liver tissue.
(mayoclinic.com) Gastrointestinal problems are also caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
Such problems include gastritis, which is damage to the stomach lining; pancreatic damage
can also result, which reduces the hormones that regulate metabolism. Excessive drinking
can lead to high blood pressure and damage the heart; these increase the risk of heart
failure or stroke. Sexual functions are also disrupted are erectile dysfunction in men and
menstruation in women. Alcohol can interfere with the production of bones and can lead to
thinning bones and increased risk of fractures. Also alcohol increases the risk of cancer;
chronic abuse of alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of esophagus, larynx, liver and
colon cancer (mayoclinic.com). In addition to the numerous and serious health risks,
alcoholism can also create social complications. According to
collegedrinkingprevention.com, alcoholics run a higher risk of domestic abuse and divorce,
poor performance at work or school, increased risk of arrests related to drunk driving,
alcohol related injuries, and greater likelihood of suicide and murder. Reading the list of
problems and complications associated with alcoholism is enough to make one never to
drink again; unfortunately for an alcoholic it is not that simple. As previously stated,
alcohol is an addictive substance and it can be extremely difficult to break an addiction.
However there are treatment centers set up to do just that.
“Most alcoholics are reluctant to enter treatment because they deny they have a problem”
(alcoholics-anonymous.org). Health problems or legal issues may prompt individuals to
seek treatment. Also according to alcoholics-anonymous there are various treatments
available to help people with alcohol problems. Treatment may include evaluation, an
intervention, an outpatient program or counseling and possibly an inpatient stay if the
individual is a danger to him or herself. A residential treatment begins with detoxification
and withdrawal. This period can last four to seven days, and delirium tremens or
withdrawal seizures may occur. After detoxification, psychological support is given. This
can consist of individual counseling and therapy support recovery from the effects of
alcoholism. Most importantly, acceptance of that fact that one is addicted and unable to
control their drinking is necessary for effective treatment. When a patient is ready to be
released from a treatment center support groups, and other programs, help people abstain
from drinking, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes (alcoholics-
anonymous.org). Because of the side effects and the complications suffered by alcoholics,
it is important to avoid alcoholism before it even starts.
According collegedrinkingprevention.gov the likelihood of addiction depends on the
influence of parents, peers, and other role models, and how early in life they begin to use
alcohol. Prevention is the key to avoid becoming an alcoholic. Avoiding drinking out of
habit and while bored, and setting drinking limitations before consuming alcohol are a few
ways to prevent alcoholism from becoming a problem. It is also important to drink slowly
and wait in between drinks; this will help cutting back on drinking altogether. Most
importantly learn how to say no. It is not necessary to drink simply because everyone else
is drinking, and saying no politely should not offend friends.
Alcoholism is a very serious illness that effects millions (apa.org) and being a college
student, alcohol is readily available just about anywhere. Drinking with friends and
drinking heavily can encourage alcoholism, and it is important to separate activities with
friends from drinking. After doing the research I have realized that alcoholism can affect
virtually anyone. It has become clear to me that people I know show the tell tale signs of
alcoholism, because of the limited knowledge of the topic, I now know that the criteria of
alcoholism is much broader than I originally anticipated. It was very interesting to learn
how many psychological elements are involved in the disease and how it works and affects
the body and brain. It is also very emotional to learn what people suffering from the
disease and people close to them are going through. The information gained is very
important and will be helpful to make better choices for others and myself close to me.
Works Cited / Bibliography

"Alcoholism: Getting the Facts." College Drinking Prevention. 23 Sept. 2003. 17 Mar.
2007 <www.collegedrinkingprevention.org>.

"Alcoholism Complications." Mayo Health Clinic. 26 Oct. 2006. Mayo Health Clinic. 15
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"Alcoholism Risk Factors." Mayo Health Clinic. 26 Oct. 2006. Mayo Health Clinic. 14
Mar. 2007 <www.mayoclinic.com>.

"Causes of Alcoholism." Mayo Health Clinic. 26 Oct. 2006. Mayo Health Clinic. 14 Mar.
2007 <www.mayoclinic.com>.

Dictionary. 2006. Random House Unabridged Dictionary. 17 Mar. 2007

<www.dictionary.com>.

"How to Cut Down on Your Drinking." College Drinking Prevention. 23 Sept. 2003.
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"Is a.a for You?" Alcoholics-Anonymous. 2007. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services,
Inc. 15 Mar. 2007 <www.alcoholics-anonymous.org>.

Nathan, Peter E., John Wallace, and A. T. Horvath. "Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders
and Their Treatments." APA Help Center. 10 Apr. 2004. American Psychological
Association. 18 Mar. 2007