Nursing

Alcoholism, Alcohol Addiction, Signs and symptoms of Alcoholism, complications in alcoholism

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease characterised by the habitual intake of alcohol and it interferes with physical or mental health or with normal social or work behaviour.

Signs & Symptoms

* Confusion

* Memory loss

* Slow or irregular breathing

* Cold or clammy hand due to hypothermia

* Falling unconscious and not waking up

* Cyanosis

* Seizures

Causes

* Environmental factors

Pathophysiology

Alcohol affects almost all cells of the body. It changes levels of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), affecting all areas and functions of the CNS. These include centers that control our impulses, mood and behaviour, coordinate motor activity and promote respiratory and cardiac function. T he immediate effects of alcohol depend on a person’s susceptibility to alcohol and their BAC (Blood Alcohol concentration).

Management

* Complete abstinence from alcohol

* Punishment such as heavy fine, imprisonment

* Using medicines

* Destroying craving for use of stimulating alcohol

* Meeting of alcoholic anonym

* Psychotherapy include

• Advice and Suggestion

• Moral encouragement

• Hypnotism

Complications of alcoholism

• Hepatitis

• Cirrhosis of liver

• Pancreatitis

• Stroke

• Osteoporosis

• Hypertension

• Myocardial Infarctions

• Angina

• Vitamin deficiency

• Accidents and injuries

• Increased risk of cancer

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