Medical Definition of Alcoholism Ethanolism

The sooner you recognize there may be a problem and talk to your healthcare provider, the better your recovery chances. Some people are naturally anxious, causing them to perpetually worry. Drinking lowers an individual’s inhibitions and makes them more comfortable in social situations. Reach out to a treatment provider for free today for immediate assistance. Excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol is not necessarily the same as alcohol dependence.

The harm may be physical or mental; it may also be social, legal, or economic. Because such use is usually considered to be compulsive and under markedly diminished voluntary control, alcoholism is considered by a majority of, but not all, clinicians as an addiction and a disease. Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking. Behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member).

Defining a drinking problem

Alcohol is involved in 40% of motor-vehicle fatalities, 70% of drownings, 50% of suicides, and up to 40% of violent crimes, including homicide, rape, assault, and child and spousal abuse. Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed Symptom Checker to find a possible diagnosis for your health issue. For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss‘ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife‘ for your marital issues, rather than think about how your drinking is contributing to the problem. While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble.

• Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centers of your brain.
• Talking with family members may help the doctor understand the situation, but they will need permission to do this.
• Withdrawal, for those physically dependent on alcohol, is much more dangerous than withdrawal from heroin or other narcotic drugs.
• A person who drinks excessive amounts of alcohol will often not be the first person to realize that this is so.
• The harmful use of alcohol can also result in harm to other people, such as family members, friends, co-workers and strangers.

Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, affecting virtually every organ in your body, including your brain. Problem drinking can also damage your emotional stability, finances, career, and your ability to build and sustain satisfying relationships. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can also have an impact on your family, friends and the people you work with. Alcoholism is a term that is sometimes used to describe what is known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The first stage in alcohol addiction recovery is detoxification.

Long-Term Health Risks

If you’re ready to admit you have a drinking problem, you’ve already taken the first step. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on. Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious.

Spouses and children of heavy drinkers may face family violence; children may suffer physical and sexual abuse and neglect and develop psychological problems. Women who drink during pregnancy run a serious risk of damaging their fetuses. Relatives, friends and strangers can be injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents and assaults. Genetic factors make some people especially vulnerable to alcohol dependence. Contrary to myth, being able to „hold your liquor“ means you’re probably more at risk — not less — for alcohol problems.

More in Addiction

A  causal relationship has been established between harmful drinking and incidence or outcomes of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. There are several approaches available for treating alcohol problems. By adhering to the Dietary Guidelines, you can reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others.

It can help someone handle withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home. Alcohol use disorder is considered a progressive disease, meaning that the effects of drinking alcohol become increasingly more severe over time.

Women and Alcohol

It also includes alcohol dependence or alcoholism, which is when you’ve lost control of your drinking. Substance abuse experts make a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism (also called alcohol dependence). Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking. However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves or others. Not all alcohol abusers become full-blown alcoholics, but it is a big risk factor.

Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help. Consider talking with someone who has had a problem with drinking but has stopped. The concept of inveterate drunkenness as a disease sober house appears to be rooted in antiquity. The Roman philosopher Seneca classified it as a form of insanity. The term alcoholism, however, appeared first in the classical essay “Alcoholismus Chronicus” (1849) by the Swedish physician Magnus Huss.

Some side effects may lay dormant for years before they surface. Because of this, professional medical care is required for proper diagnosis and treatment. This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice.

• While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble.
• In some cases, medication and hospitalization are necessary.
• If you think you might have an AUD, see your health care provider for an evaluation.
• These individuals may be classified as “almost alcoholic.” They are still able to take a step back and assess their situation and make proper adjustments.