Alcoholism Health Article

Support Groups

Members of AA have help available 24 hours a day, associate with a sober peer group, learn that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking, and are given a model of recovery by observing the accomplishments of sober members of the group. Other support groups are smaller, but growing, and all have an online presence which provides support even at home late at night.

Expectations (prognosis)

Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Alcohol is involved in more than half of all accidental deaths and almost half of all traffic deaths. A high percentage of suicides involve the use of alcohol in combination with other substances. Additional deaths are related to the long-term medical complications associated with the disease. Only 15% of those with alcohol dependence seek treatment for this disease. Relapse after treatment is common, so it is important to maintain support systems in order to cope with any slips and ensure that they don't turn into complete reversals. Treatment programs have varying success rates, but many people with alcohol dependency have a full recovery.

Complications

• Pancreatitis
• Heart muscle damage
• Nerve damage
• Esophageal bleeding
• Brain degeneration
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Delirium tremens (DTs)
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of alcoholic women
• High blood pressure
• Increased incidence of cancer
• Insomnia
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Suicide
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Calling your health care provider

If severe confusion, seizures, bleeding, or other health problems develop in a person known or who is suspected to have alcohol dependence take the person to the emergency room or call the local emergency number such as 911.

Prevention

Educational programs and medical advice about alcohol abuse have been successful in decreasing alcohol abuse and its associated problems. Alcohol dependency requires more intensive management.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that women have no more than 1 drink per day and men no more than 2 drinks per day. One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor.

References

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:428-439.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:79-80.