Symptoms of Chronic Alcoholism

Alcoholism (also referred to as ‘dependence to alcohol’) refers to the significant physiological, psychological and / or social dysfunctions associated with persistent and excessive use of alcohol. Some studies show a genetic influence as the cause of this condition. It is a chronic disease or disorder of behavior.

It is seen highest in males aged 21 – 34 years, but the incidence is increasing in females too now days. However, it may affect any age group.

Metabolism

The active ingredient in alcohol is ethyl alcohol. Impurities added are methyl alcohol, amyl alcohol and acetaldehyde etc. Alcohol is mainly absorbed by the stomach and the small intestine. The maximum concentration in blood is reached in 30–90 minutes. Drinking water facilitates its absorption whereas fatty food delays the consumption. Most part of the alcohol is metabolized in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase.

The calorific value of alcohol is 7 kcal / gram. The blood level of 30 mg% alcohol starts causing mild euphoria and the blood level of more than 400 mg% alcohol causes deep anaesthesia and death.

Clinical Presentation

The symptoms may vary from person to person. These may include psychological and social dysfunction, marital problems, social isolation, inter-personal problems. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, cognitive deficits, impairment in recent memory is also seen.

Employment problems are also frequently encountered in alcohol addicts such as tardiness, absenteeism, decreased productivity.

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, peptic ulcer disease, chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, bronchitis, impotence, menstrual irregularities in females, poor hygiene are some other symptoms.

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute reaction to severe thiamine deficiency. The most common cause of this is chronic alcohol use.

Alcohol Withdrawal

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include amnestic reaction, epileptic seizures, hallucination, hyper-reactive state, sweating, tremors etc. The most severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome is delirium tremens. These symptoms start a few hours after the last drink.