Alcoholism: causes and consequences

Alcoholism is defined as a excessive consumption of alcohol, in which you lose control over your intake. It is characterized by frequent episodes of alcohol intoxication. In addition, in alcoholism there is an obsession with alcohol despite the consequences.

For its part, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as: any form of drunkenness that exceeds traditional and current dietary intake or that exceeds the boundaries of social customs.

Alcoholism produces 3 million deaths a year in the world. Further, it is the cause of numerous pathologies, among which liver cirrhosis stands out. Similarly, there is an important relationship between a series of mental disorders with alcohol.

For all this, in this article we explain the causes of alcoholism and its consequences.

Importance of alcoholism

It is alcoholism is a chronic disease, that is, a permanent addiction. This does not mean that addiction can not be treated successfully, but that it is something that must be controlled continuously. In addition, it is considered a progressive and degenerative pathology. It has numerous repercussions in both health and social life.

It should be noted that in adolescence alcohol generates even more harm and addiction than in adulthood. The treatment of alcoholism is complicated. The first step is for the person to recognize the problem. To overcome it, it is essential that close people support and participate in therapy.

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What are the causes of alcoholism?

It seems that certain Genetic factors play an important role in alcoholism. In fact it is estimated that if your parents or siblings are alcoholics, it is three times more likely that you become an alcoholic. But this does not mean that you are going to suffer it for sure. There are many factors that can influence, such as:

• Being a person with low self-esteem.
• Suffering other mental disorders such as depression. People with a lot of stress or anxiety are also determinants.
• The social factors. Alcoholism is very determined by culture and society where you live. The accessibility to alcoholic beverages or the cultural acceptance influence remarkably.
• Kind of job. It is a fact that people who work in pubs and night bars are more likely to suffer.
• The fact that the consumption be sustained It is also a predisposing factor.

Signs of a problem with alcohol

In our society drinking alcohol is a very accepted behavior. Therefore, it can be difficult to know when it is a pathological situation.

However, there are certain patterns that may indicate that it is an addiction problem. For example, hide having drunk or lying about the amount of alcohol ingested. Also fail to fulfill responsibilities or decrease performance at work. In the same way, we should be alarmed that the person drinks alone or in risky conditions.

On the other hand we can highlight physical symptoms such as changes in weight, headaches and speech impairment. Memory and concentration are also affected. A person who suffers from alcoholism may even be more irritable and aggressive.

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What consequences does alcoholism have?

As we mentioned, alcohol It produces damages on a physical, intellectual and social level. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is related to diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular, digestive, et cetera.

Delirium tremens is an acute episode of delirium caused by the Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. There are also physical effects such as palpitations, chills and seizures. If left untreated it can cause death.

Alcoholism frequently affects speech and coordination. As is well known, Most traffic accidents are caused by a state of intoxication. This occurs partly because under the influence of alcohol the person becomes uninhibited and adopts dangerous behaviors.

On the other hand, we must emphasize that a large percentage of liver diseases is due to alcoholism. This is because alcohol increases the fat present in the liver. In this way inflammation occurs and, over time, cirrhosis of the liver tissue.

Gastritis and ulcers, as well as certain vitamin deficiencies, They are another serious consequence. It can also affect sexual activity, sight, circulation, etc.

In conclusion

The alcoholism It is a pathology with high incidence at present. As we have seen, its consequences range from social aspects to numerous problems in the body. In fact, the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can cause severe damage to the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the problem as soon as possible. Consult the doctor and access support groups can be very useful acts against alcoholism.