Arielle Cruz
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Alcoholism has been a problem for humans throughout history, with biblical, Egyptian, and Babylonian sources recording the history of abuse and dependence on alcohol. Today, it is estimated that around 400 million people globally suffer from AUD, with 209 million of those suffering from alcohol dependence. This article will explore the sources contributing to the prevalence of alcoholism, including the role of early human consumption of ethanol, the impact of genetics and family history, and the influence of stress and other triggers. Understanding these sources is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies to address the harmful effects of alcoholism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of the term 'alcoholism' | Coined by Swedish physician Magnus Huss in 1852 |
| Early alcohol consumption | Byproduct of early human consumption of ethanol, which was made from yeast-based fermentation of fruit sugars |
| Alcohol use disorder (AUD) | A medical condition characterised by impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences; can be mild, moderate or severe |
| AUD treatment | Behavioural therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications |
| Risk factors for AUD | Amount, frequency, and speed of alcohol consumption; drinking at an early age; genetics and family history |
| Health risks of alcohol consumption | Liver disease, heart disease, cancer, mental health conditions, learning and memory problems, relationship issues, increased risk of accidents and injuries, alcohol poisoning, overdose, STIs, unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder |
| Global impact of alcohol consumption in 2019 | 2.6 million deaths (1.6 million from non-communicable diseases, 700,000 from injuries, 300,000 from communicable diseases); 400 million people aged 15+ with alcohol use disorders, 209 million with alcohol dependence |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of alcoholism
Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, has been a concern for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, were all aware of the adverse effects of alcohol misuse. The term "alcoholism" first appeared in the 19th century, but excessive alcohol consumption and its consequences have been documented throughout history.
The evolution of alcoholism as a disease is thought to have originated with the consumption of fermented fruits. Primates, including early humans, who could find and consume ripe fruit had an advantage due to the additional nutrients and energy provided by ethanol. This led to an association between ethanol and energy, and those with a higher tolerance for alcohol may have had an evolutionary advantage. This hypothesis, known as Darwinian medicine, suggests that genetics, environment, family background, and other stressors also play a role in an individual's susceptibility to alcoholism.
The study of alcoholism as a medical condition has evolved over time. Plato, in the fifth century BC, recommended age restrictions on alcohol consumption, and Hippocrates described the symptoms of alcoholism, including delusion, fever, and hallucination. In the 17th century, a Greek monk named Agapios documented the association between chronic alcohol misuse and toxicity to the nervous system and body, resulting in various medical disorders.
In the 20th century, Abraham Myerson's work on drinking norms in the USA contributed significantly to the understanding of alcoholism. Myerson, a leading psychiatrist and neurologist, argued that the tension between alcohol's ability to provide pleasure and the rise of asceticism (the denial of pleasure) generated ambivalent social attitudes, traditions, and expectations towards drinking. This work highlighted the importance of social factors in alcohol addiction and influenced other scholars in the field.
Longitudinal studies have also contributed to our understanding of alcoholism. Two longitudinal studies, the "College" sample and the "Core City" sample, have monitored the drinking behaviours and consequences for several hundred men over 50 years. These studies have identified co-occurring sociopathy, cultural factors, and genetic factors as risk factors for alcoholism. The findings suggest that alcoholism can have a progressive course, with increasing alcohol abuse, or a non-progressive course, with stable or reduced consumption.
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Alcohol use disorder
AUD can be treated with medication and behavioural therapy. Three medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help people reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking are naltrexone (oral and long-acting injectable), acamprosate, and disulfiram. Behavioural treatments, also known as alcohol counselling or talk therapy, are aimed at changing drinking behaviour. Examples include brief interventions, reinforcement approaches, treatments that build motivation and teach skills for coping, and mindfulness-based therapies. Mutual-support groups can also provide peer support for stopping or reducing drinking.
The risk factors for developing AUD include genetics, family history, drinking at an early age, and mental health conditions and trauma. Research shows that among people aged 26 and older, those who began drinking before age 15 were more likely to report having AUD in the past year compared to those who started drinking at age 21 or older. The risk for females in this group is higher than for males. Parents' drinking patterns may also influence their children's likelihood of developing AUD.
AUD can have immediate and long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of several types of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, digestive problems, a weaker immune system, memory problems, and relationship issues. Binge drinking is a form of excessive drinking that can increase the risk of violence or accidents and may result in about 3.3 million deaths (5.9% of all deaths) annually. Heavy drinking is another form of excessive drinking, defined as consuming more than the recommended amount over a week. For women, this is more than eight drinks per week, and for men, it is more than 15 drinks per week.
The evolution of alcoholism may have originated from the consumption of fermented fruits. Early humans ingested ethanol, which was produced from the yeast-based fermentation of naturally occurring fruit sugars. The ethanol in ripening fruit contains significant amounts of nutrients and high caloric value, providing an additional source of energy.
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Treatment for alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition that can happen to anyone. It is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment for alcoholism typically involves a combination of medication and behavioural therapy, with the specific approach depending on the severity of the condition.
Treatment Options
- Medication: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved naltrexone and acamprosate as alcohol use disorder treatments. Other medications such as topiramate and gabapentin can also help decrease cravings in some people.
- Behavioural Therapy: This treatment focuses on counselling that aims to change drinking behaviour. Individuals may work with addiction counsellors or psychologists to address their alcohol use.
- Support Groups: Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs, provide peer support for individuals looking to quit or cut back on their drinking. These groups offer a valuable layer of support and can help promote recovery.
- Inpatient Treatment: For severe cases of alcohol use disorder, inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation may be recommended.
Steps to Take if You Need Help
- Talk to a Healthcare Provider: Discussing your situation with a healthcare professional is an important first step. They can help diagnose alcohol use disorder, assess its severity, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Reach Out for Support: Consider seeking support through a 12-step program or therapy. Talking to people who understand your situation can be beneficial.
- Make a Plan to Drink Less: Reducing alcohol consumption can improve health and well-being. Set clear boundaries and limits on your drinking to help manage your alcohol intake.
- Exercise and Stress Management: Exercise is a great way to manage stress and cope with the challenges of reducing alcohol consumption.
It is important to remember that treatment for alcoholism should be tailored to the individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. Seeking professional help is a crucial step towards recovery and improving one's health and well-being.
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Alcoholism's health effects
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. The condition is characterised by an inability to stop drinking, even when alcohol use negatively impacts one's life and the lives of those around them.
Physically, the consumption of alcohol can interfere with the brain's communication pathways, impacting mood, behaviour, and coordination. Alcohol misuse has also been linked to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness in the arms and legs and painful burning in the feet. Additionally, alcohol-related nerve damage may lead to heart arrhythmias, postural hypotension, diarrhoea, and erectile dysfunction. Heavy alcohol use can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting hormones that maintain health and stability. This can contribute to thyroid diseases, abnormal cholesterol levels, reproductive dysfunction, and stress intolerance. The liver can only process small amounts of alcohol, and excessive consumption can harm the liver and other organs.
Alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck cancers, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, and breast cancers. Other physical health risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which affects vital body functions like breathing and heart rate. Binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men during an occasion, can increase the risk of violence, accidents, injuries, and motor vehicle crashes.
Mentally, alcoholism can contribute to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It can also cause learning and memory problems, including dementia, and lead to relationship issues. Those with alcohol use disorder may experience alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and relapses are common, often triggered by stressful events.
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Global impact of alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption has a significant global impact on health, society, and the economy. It is a leading risk factor for death and disability, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption when it comes to health. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. It increases the risk of various cancers, including common types such as bowel and breast cancer, and contributes to other health conditions and injuries. The WHO European Region has the highest alcohol consumption and proportion of drinkers, with over 200 million people at risk of alcohol-attributable cancers.
The impact of alcohol consumption goes beyond health. Socially, alcohol has played a role in social engagement and bonding, and moderate consumption can be pleasurable for many. However, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to negative outcomes such as crime, road incidents, and alcohol dependence. Globally, an estimated 400 million people aged 15 and older live with alcohol use disorders, and 209 million have alcohol dependence. The age group of 20-39-year-olds is disproportionately affected by alcohol-attributable deaths, with the highest proportion occurring within this age range.
From an economic perspective, alcohol consumption imposes significant costs on society. Several studies have estimated the economic impact of alcohol abuse worldwide, with a global economic burden ranging from $US 210 to 665 billion in 2002. These costs include the negative consequences of alcohol consumption, such as healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and social welfare costs.
To address the global impact of alcohol consumption, various strategies and interventions have been proposed. The WHO's Global alcohol action plan 2022–2030 aims to reduce harmful alcohol use through evidence-based strategies at international, regional, and global levels. The SAFER initiative supports countries in implementing high-impact, cost-effective interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm. Additionally, public policies and interventions should be guided by public health interests and based on clear goals and the best available evidence.
Furthermore, addressing the determinants that drive the acceptability, availability, and affordability of alcohol consumption is crucial. This includes implementing cross-sectoral and integrated policy measures and advocating for effective global governance to achieve a reduction in harmful alcohol use. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 analyzed alcohol use and its burden across 195 countries and territories, providing improved estimates of alcohol consumption and its health impact. Monitoring consumption behavior and consolidating data sources are essential for understanding alcohol's health effects and developing effective interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
The article about alcoholism references information from a range of sources, including Wikipedia, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Cleveland Clinic, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It can be mild, moderate, or severe, and is considered a brain disorder.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have both immediate and long-term health risks, including:
- Injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
- Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence.
- Alcohol poisoning, which affects breathing and heart rate.
- Overdose when combined with other drugs.
- Increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers.
- High blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, digestive problems, and a weaker immune system.
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.
- Learning and memory problems, relationship issues, and negative impacts on work or school.
