We explain what alcoholism is and what types of alcoholism exist. Also, what are its causes, symptoms and consequences.
What is alcoholism?
Alcohol addiction is called alcoholism. It's a chronic, progressive and fatal condition which is characterized by excessive, constant and harmful consumption of said substance, in quantities and forms higher than those socially accepted or considered nutritional. It is a disease that not only affects the individual, but also his environment, since among the effects of alcohol the loss of inhibitions and erratic behavior are often recorded.
There is no fixed amount of alcohol consumed that determines whether or not one suffers from alcoholism, since affected people may follow very different consumption patterns. However, in all cases there is continued and increasing consumption of the substance, as the body develops tolerance, just as with other drugs.
Accidents and risky behaviors derived from alcoholism constitute some of the main causes of death throughout the world, such as crashes, run overs or suicides. The adolescent population is particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon given the common use of alcohol as a socially accepted disinhibitor and the instabilities inherent to this period of growth.
It is estimated that around 3.3 million people die worldwide each year due to harmful alcohol consumption, 5.9% of all annual deaths. There are numerous social and health organizations dedicated to combating this scourge throughout the world, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. In fact, in most Muslim nations, alcohol consumption is simply prohibited.
See also: Vice
Types of alcoholism
There are two forms of alcoholism, depending on its vulnerable population:
- Type I alcoholism It usually affects adults, who present stages of high consumption followed by periods of sobriety, which become shorter and shorter as the disease progresses. It is usually accompanied by liver diseases and social disorders.
- Alcoholism Type II It is more common in adolescence, and is usually associated with violent and asocial behavior. Unlike type I, it is not characterized by a gradual increase in consumption, but rather operates more like massive and frontal consumption.
Symptoms of alcoholism
The usual symptoms of alcoholism may vary depending on the individual, but generally have to do with:
- Withdrawal syndrome When deprived of access to alcohol, the individual responds by feeling physically unwell or psychologically disturbed. This is immediately remedied by taking a drink.
- Physical symptoms In the long run, dizziness, sweating, coordination problems, nausea and vomiting occur.
- Personality changes When consuming, the patient can make impulsive decisions, drastically change their personality, present euphoria, anger or discontent for no apparent reason.
- Delirium The individual may present crises of fear, depression, paranoia or erratic behavior, as well as self-destructive behaviors, instability and erratic thoughts.
- Liver problems A symptom that arrives very late is usually potentially fatal liver complications, such as fatty liver or liver cirrhosis.
Causes of alcoholism
The causes of alcoholism are varied, since a certain hereditary factor has been determined in the propensity to the same as well as the ability to digest and assimilate alcohols. It is considered an inherited disorder, although it is generally triggered by massive and constant consumption of the substance, which is clearly a behavioral decision.
Even so, 80% of alcoholism cases cover other emotional ailments and basic psychological (and even psychiatric) situations, if not situations of high stress or chronic depression, since the patient uses to avoid reality.
Consequences of alcoholism
The consequences of alcoholism are serious and can lead to death. Furthermore, the consumption during pregnancy can have serious effects on the development of the fetus causing mental retardation, malformations, low birth weight, epilepsy and other deficiencies in their training.
On the other hand, the states of altered consciousness caused by alcoholism can lead individuals to take unnecessary risks and cause harm to themselves or others. This is particularly important when it comes to operating cars or heavy machinery. It can also trigger suicidal behavior, or push individuals to make irresponsible decisions, all of which have a high social, economic, emotional and psychological cost.
Lastly, alcoholism causes irreversible physical damage in the long run, such as the deterioration of liver cells and other vital organs, or neuronal damage that results in blackouts, disorientation or learning failures.
