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 Description

Alcoholism is defined as the chronic, heavy consumption of alcohol. Over time, the body becomes physically dependent on alcohol. This coincides with the development of withdrawal symptoms upon the cessation of drinking. It is considered a chronic illness of unknown etiology. Intoxication often interferes with the ability to work and can lead to familial problems.

Alcohol is absorbed into the blood primarily from the small intestine. It accumulates in the bloodstream as it is more quickly absorbed than metabolized and excreted. Alcohol is considered a CNS depressant and people that become tolerant to alcohol also display tolerance to other CNS depressant drugs. The substance affects cell membranes, neurochemical systems, and the endocrine system. It primarily affects the brain and liver, and sexual functioning is also impaired. Very high doses of alcohol can be fatal due to respiratory depression.

The development of alcohol dependence occurs in four main stages which can take anywhere from five to twenty-five years to develop. The first stage includes the development of tolerance. This is the ability to drink a larger and larger quantity of alcohol before experiencing any of its effects. This stage is typical of heavy social drinkers. During the second stage, you are often not able to remember the events occurring while you were drinking. The third stage is marked by your loss of control over alcohol consumption. The fourth and final stage consists of long drinking binges and periods of intoxication with associated physiological or psychological sequelae.

Many people are able to stop their drinking behaviour during one of the first three stages. However, prevention is always best to avoid any complications. Keys to prevention include keeping to safe limits of alcohol intake, drinking slowly (do not "gulp" your drink down), and never drinking for relief of anxiety, tension, depression or on an empty stomach.

 

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