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Medical Aspects of Alcohol and Alcoholism
- ALCOHOLISM: classified as a disease, characterized by a loss of
control. Progressive symptoms: Jellinek phases.
- HANGOVER EFFECTS: mini-withdrawal from a depressant drug; causes
agitation upon detoxification. Symptoms include:
| headache |
jumpiness |
| upset stomach |
anxiety |
| nausea |
dehydration |
| irritability |
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- MALNUTRITION: alcohol has no nutritional value; essential
vitamins, minerals, proteins are missing from the diet of person who abuses alcohol over a
long period of time. Alcohol interferes with digestion of food that is eaten, and with
body's ability to utilize the nutrients.
- BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS: increases with consumption of alcohol,
(causes drowsiness, impaired circulation, thirst, excessive appetite, frequent urination)
and decreases upon detoxification (causes fatigue, confusion, blurred vision, lack of
concentration, irritability, headaches, depression).
- BLOOD PRODUCTION & CLOTTING: alcohol contributes to anemia,
interferes with white cell reserves and production of blood platelets.
- LIVER DAMAGE: alcohol abuse leads to enlarged liver (fatty
liver), hepatitis, or jaundice. Continued abuse can lead to cirrhosis (scaring) of the
liver which can be fatal.
- STOMACH ULCERS & GASTRITIS: initiation caused by alcohol to
lining of stomach; can lead to severe bleeding.
- BRAIN DAMAGE: chronic alcohol abuse can lead to permanent damage
or psychosis.
- FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS): alcohol abuse during pregnancy can
cause physical and/or mental defects. Children are smaller in weight, and may have
deformed appearance and/or behavioral problems. Fathers may contribute to this also.
- SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: mate sterility and impotence; interferes
with sexual performance; contributes to secondary sexual characteristics.
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