ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholism is a serious problem in the United States. Consequences of alcohol
use and abuse affect not only the drinker but also families, communities, and
the workplace. Not all drinkers become alcoholics. Social drinkers tend to act
responsibly when consuming alcohol. Problem drinkers, however, engage in alcohol
abuse, which is characterized by recurrent alcohol use with negative
consequences or drinking patterns that result in personal, legal, professional,
or academic problems as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders.
Alcoholism,
or alcohol dependence, is characterized by long-term use of alcohol which,
if withheld, results in withdrawal symptoms. It may be possible to identify a
problem drinker by observing types of drinking behavior. Signs of alcohol
problems may include:
- craving for alcohol
- drinking alone
- Being secretive about drinking
- lying about alcohol use
- hiding alcohol or empty bottles
- unpredictable behavior when drinking
- anxiety in situations where alcohol is not available
- increasing amount of alcohol consumption
- passing out from alcohol consumption
- memory blackouts
- being late for meetings or important appointments
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- "forgetting" social obligations or family responsibilities
- using alcohol in times of stress
- engaging in risky behavior when drinking (for example, driving)
- drinking in the morning and at other unusual times
- calling in "sick" frequently
- often looking and feeling bad
- denying that alcohol is a problem
- physical dependence on alcohol
- exhibiting withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is withheld
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The National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has developed the CAGE
questionnaire to help the alcoholic or family to determine if alcohol use is
problematic.
- Have you ever felt you should Cut
down on your drinking?
- Have people Annoyed
you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or Guilty
about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink the first thing in
the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye
opener)?
One positive response is indicative of a
possible problem with alcohol. More than one positive response means it is
highly likely that a problem exists. Since those with alcohol problems often
experience denial, any drinking-related problems should be suspect even if the
drinker responds "no" to the CAGE
questionnaire.
Not all alcoholics exhibit the same drinking
pattern. Some drink every day; others engage in heavy drinking on the weekends.
Stressful life experiences may be the impetus for very heavy episodic drinking.
Some alcoholics drink only late in the day and never in the mornings. Others
engage in long periods of sobriety alternating with binge drinking episodes that
can last weeks or months.
Researchers have recently categorized alcoholism
into two types:
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Type I
- can affect both males and females
- late onset
- associated with mild alcohol use/abuse
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Type II
- seen most often in males
- early onset of alcohol use
- problematic behavior associated with
alcohol abuse
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