chronic alcoholism

chronic alcoholism

n.

See alcoholism.

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chronic alcoholism,

a pathologic condition resulting from the habitual use of alcohol in excessive amounts. The syndrome involves complex cultural, psychologic, social, and physiologic factors and usually impairs an individual's health and ability to function normally in society. Symptoms of the disease include anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, neurologic and psychiatric disturbances (most notably depression), and fatty deterioration of the liver, sometimes leading to cirrhosis. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and its resulting complications; nutritional therapy, use of tranquilizers in the detoxification process, and hospitalization may be necessary. Alcoholism is not often detected in patients admitted to the hospital for care after an accident or for esophagitis, gastritis, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, or depression, all of which are secondary effects of alcoholism. If the patient is to undergo an operation, it is imperative that the anesthesiologist be notified of the condition, which can affect sensitivity to anesthetics. Alcoholism is a family disease, and the health professional can be instrumental in guiding the patient's family to seek treatment. Long-term support for alcoholics and their families is offered by such organizations as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, and rehabilitation facilities for alcoholism. Compare acute alcoholism. See also alcoholism.

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Patient discussion about chronic alcoholism.

Q. At what age can alcoholism begin? My son is 13. He drinks too much. every day he drinks, sometimes more than one time each day. can it be alcoholism already, so young? what can I do to stop this?

A. alcoholism can start at any age,get the whole family involved,start talking to him about the effects of alcohol,and how it effects the people around him as well,in order for him toquit he has too want to quit,thats the first step,get the other parents involved that your son hangs around with also,you will probably have to try a lot of ways for it to hit him,(i.e) cut off allowance,ground him from going out,drop off and pick up from school, etc.you have my prayers just don"t give in.or give up.

Q. What Are the Complications of Alcoholism? What is the damage and complications cause by alcoholism?

A. The long-term effects of alcohol are not yet fully understood. Drinking alcohol abusively over long periods of time increases the risk mainly of developing alcoholic liver disease (an end stage liver disease that requires liver transplant) and cancer (for example gastric cancer). Studies show that large-quantity consumption of alcohol can also lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy that can cause cardiac arrhythmia and death. Alcoholism has an effect on the central and peripheral nervous systems, and it increases the risk for severe neurological problems and stroke. It is very important to treat alcoholism both medically and socially.

Q. Let's talk about alcohol... cause drinking it is something I haven't been doing for the past two weeks and it's soooo hard. I guess some of you can understand me. The first week was a challenge I took on myself, decideing very stiff new decisions about my life, but know I'm freaking out. I don't know how to stop thinking about it, cause that's all I've been doing!!! help, I ant my son to be proud of me...

A. HELLO MALANI, you are on your way to recovery-HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO TRY AND LIVE BY,also relapse is a part of recovery,so dont be to hard on yourself--------JUST FOR TODAY-TELL YOURSELF--my thoughts will be on my recovery-evert thing else comes second,living and enjoying life without the use of drugs oralcohol.---JUST FOR TODAY-i will have faith in someone in ALCOHOLICS ANNONYMOUS who believes in me and wants to help me in my recovery.---JUST FOR TODAY-I will have a program(PLAN)-I will try to follow it to the best of my ability.----JUST FOR TODAY-I will try to get a better perspective on my life.-----JUST FOR TODAY-I will be unafraid,my thoughts will be on my new associates,(AA MEMBERS)who are not using and who have found a new life. So long as i follow the way of AA,I have nothing to fear--AA suggest that you stay away from people,places and things---try to do 90 meetings in 90 days---here are some web sites that you can have online meeting(IN THE ROOMS.COM)--(AA online chat)-find