Alcoholism
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- Related alcohol abuse articles:
Alcohol abuse - on WebMD
Alcohol abuse - on MedicineNet
Alcoholism Overview
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Despite all of the focus on drugs such as cocaine, alcohol remains the number one drug problem in the United States. According to community surveys, over 13% of adults in the United States will experience alcohol abuse or dependence (also referred to as alcoholism) at some point in their lives.
Withdrawal, for those physically dependent on alcohol, is much more dangerous than withdrawal from heroin or other narcotic drugs.
- Alcohol abuse refers to excessive or problematic use with one or more of the following:
- Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home
- Recurrent use in situations where it is hazardous (such as driving a car or operating machinery)
- Legal problems
- Continued use of alcohol despite having social, family, or interpersonal problems caused by or worsened by drinking
- Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home
- Alcohol dependence refers to a more serious disorder and involves excessive or maladaptive use leading to 3 or more of the following:
- Tolerance changes (need for more to achieve desired effect, or achieving the effect with lesser amounts of alcohol)
- Withdrawal symptoms following a reduction or cessation of drinking (such as sweating, rapid pulse, tremors, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, or seizures) or using alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms (for example, early morning drinking)
- Drinking more alcohol or drinking over a longer period of time than intended (loss of control)
- Inability to cut down or stop
- Spending a great deal of time drinking or recovering from its effects
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities
- Continuing to drink despite knowing alcohol use has caused or worsened problems
- Tolerance changes (need for more to achieve desired effect, or achieving the effect with lesser amounts of alcohol)
Next: Alcoholism Causes »
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What Is Depression?
Clinical depression is not just grief or sadness. It is an illness that can challenge the person's ability to perform even routine daily activities. At its worst, depression may lead the person to contemplate or commit suicide. Depression represents a burden for the person and his or her family. Sometimes that burden can seem overwhelming.
Several different types of mood disorders exist.
- Major depression is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. Major depression usually involves a low or irritable mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. It interferes with the person's normal functioning. The person may experience only one episode of depression, but repeated episodes often occur over the person's lifetime.
- Dysthymia is less severe than major depression but usually goes on for a longer period, often several years. ...
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