Chronic Pancreatitis : Causes

Chronic pancreatitis causes inflammation and scarring of tissue in the pancreas. This makes the pancreas unable to produce the right amount of chemicals (enzymes) needed to digest fat. It also interferes with insulin production, which may lead to ...

Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. Alcohol abusers may have legal problems such as drinking and driving. They may also have problems with binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting). People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink.

Alcoholism is the layman ' s term for alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , published by the American Psychiatric Association and commonly called the DSM-IV, the essential feature of substance abuse (in this instance, alcohol abuse) is maladaptive use of the substance with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use.

Like cancer or heart disease, alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with its own symptoms and causes. The disease is progressive and often fatal if not treated.

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. In fact, half of Americans ages 65 and older drink alcohol. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it.

The most important thing that friends and family can do for an alcoholic is to stop enabling the addictive behavior.

This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.

Alcoholism is an addictive disease in which the victim becomes dependent on a drug—alcohol. The disease affects the alcoholic physically, psychologically, and behaviorally. Alcoholism is not a character weakness or moral shortcoming; it is an unrelenting, progressive disease that leads to death or brain damage. But recovery is possible by stopping drinking.

Term encompassing alcohol use, alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, problem drinking, and alcohol dependence. The concept of alcoholism, in its most general sense, refers to a disease, or disorder, typically characterized by: (a) a prolonged period of frequent, heavy alcohol use; (b) a variety of social and/or legal problems associated with alcohol use (e.

The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. About 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. In fact, minors drink 19 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Alcohol may have some health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases.

Physiological and metabolic differences between women and men mean that some women are more likely to develop a drinking problem, particularly as they get older.

The essential feature of alcohol abuse is the maladaptive use of alcohol with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Alcohol is considered a drug because it depresses the central nervous system and can disrupt mental and motor skills, as well as damage internal organs when used excessively.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction (Alcoholism)Do you want to have more fun, to fit in, to cope better with your problems? It’s as easy as taking a drink—if you believe what you see on television.

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as " A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. " That maladaptive pattern is manifested, according to the DSM-IV , by the following behaviors occurring any time within one 12-month period: tolerance for alcohol withdrawal from alcohol alcohol taken in larger amounts and over a longer period of time than was intended persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use much time spent in activities necessary to obtaining alcohol various important activities, for example, in socializing or at work, are given up or reduced because of alcohol use alcohol use continued regardless of the pattern of physical or psychological problems that it causes or worsens Alcohol abuse has the same definition but is manifested by one (or more) of the following behaviors occurring within the same 12-month period: repeated alcohol use leading to failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home repeated alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous repeated alcohol-related legal problems persistent alcohol use despite its causing social and interpersonal problems or exacerbating them This definition and the criteria established by DSMIV apply to both adults and children.

You don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to act. Here are steps to help an alcoholic get treatment.

Alcoholism is the popular term for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The hallmarks of both of these disorders involve repeated life problems that can be directly tied to a person's abuse of alcohol.

Understanding AddictionAddictive Substances Include:Illegal drugs such as cocaineLegal drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription medicationsActivities of daily life such as working, eating, and having sexLeisure activities such as gambli...

A study found that a medication called topiramate helped heavy drinkers reduce their dependence on alcohol.

A study suggests that people with a family history of alcoholism are capable of producing higher levels of a dopamine receptor in the brain that may offer them protection against the disease.

A review of ongoing research into drugs to treat alcoholism, including a description of existing drugs and treatments on the horizon.

Informal evidence shows that alcoholics who choose to attend AA meetings do better than those who do not, and the longer they are involved in attending meetings, the better their chances of remaining abstinent.

A study of several methods of treatment for alcoholism has found that a combination of medical management and an inexpensive medication offers a better chance for continued sobriety.

Effective treatment for alcohol dependency is available, but treatment rates among alcohol abusers are low because of lack of awareness and embarrassment.