Tell Me More About Alcohol Dependence.
1. What are the symptoms of Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol Dependence, also called alcoholism, occurs when a person has a physical or emotional addiction to drinking alcohol. People with alcohol dependence often do not realize they have a dependency and believe they can stop drinking at any time. Ironically, the inability to stop drinking is often a strong indication that a person has a dependence on alcohol.
To be diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence, a person has to display at least 3 of the following 6 conditions:
| 1. |
A craving or physical need to drink alcohol. |
| 2. |
Difficulties in stopping a drinking session. |
| 3. |
Alcohol tolerance, i.e. needing larger amounts of alcohol to feel its effects. |
| 4. |
Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness or anxiety, and in severe cases hallucinations, irritability, severe trembling and even seizures. |
| 5. |
Neglecting interests and organizing a lifestyle around drinking. |
| 6. |
Persisting to drink even though it causes physical harm such as aggravating an ulcer. |
Alcohol Abuse often leads to Alcohol Dependence. The condition of Alcohol Abuse does not necessarily include dependency and occurs when an intoxicated person causes significant problems in his or her home life (such as arguments about drinking), work life (such as absences or decreased work performance), or legal status (such as arrests for drunken driving). Over time, health problems such a high blood pressure, liver problems, or digestive problems usually develop.
Reference:
10th Alcohol and Health Special Report to the U.S. Congress on, June 2000, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health.
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