Alcohol addictionAlcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcoholism, ethylism, dipsomania, potomania,
Of the morbid, uncontrolled consumption alcoholic beverages is used in medical terminology as alcoholism designated.
Within Germany alcoholism is considered one widespread appearance. Meanwhile, the morbid consumption of alcoholic beverages is even considered independent illness accepted. For this reason, both statutory and private health insurance companies are obliged to do so Therapy complete to accepted.
The effects of alcoholism on the organism count alongside the consequences of the Consumption of tobacco products and general diseases of the Cardiovascular system to the most common causes of death.
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The Symptoms of alcoholism are very variable and do not present themselves in the same way and expression for every person affected. Some classic symptoms can be seen in almost every person suffering from alcoholism, and these signs can be as first hint for the presence of a Dependency can be used. People who suffer from alcoholism take it throughout the day large quantities alcoholic beverages to yourself. For those affected, the alcohol after a while not just an intoxicant but rather a Addictive substances People suffering from alcoholism no longer understand the consumption of alcoholic beverages as a social event, but rather drink for yourself. In addition, alcohol is no longer used as a pure stimulant, it is consumed because the person's organism demands the addictive substance ethanol, an ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
$config[ads_text2] not foundBy the Progression of addictive behavior are those affected in a situation that theirs Life increasingly restricts. The classic alcoholic begins his entire daily routine on the procurement and consumption of alcohol align. This behavior usually goes with a far reaching approach Loss of control of one's own drinking behavior.
To that alcoholism sick people is usually unaware how much alcohol he consumes and how the daily intoxication can be on behavior and the relationship to his environment affects.
Most alcoholics play down or deny one's own drinking behavior. A typical indication of the presence of alcoholism is the fact that the person concerned is increasingly in a compulsive consumption loses. Social obligations and contact with one's own family is increasing neglected.
Out medical point of view is the alcoholism around a classic addiction disease. This assumption supports the fact that the affected patients show a decrease in alcohol consumption classic withdrawal symptoms can be observed. In the course of this it comes to:
Alcoholism has long been considered in medicine independent clinical picture recognized and therefore its treatment is generally accepted by the Health insurance carried.
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Of the excessive consumption of alcohol and especially a manifest alcoholism can affect the body of the person concerned significant negative impact exercise.
Typical risks, the the alcoholism entails range from Withdrawal Syndromes and significant changes in personality to sustainable Injuries certain Organ systems. Especially the so-called alcohol-toxic changes in personality are described by many relatives of people suffering from alcoholism. she goes as Poisoning syndromecaused by excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages for many years. The classic abnormalities that this change in personality brings with it include:
$config[ads_text2] not foundIn addition, the own drive and the attention due to the toxic effects of alcohol in the long run limited. They also occur in the wake of alcoholism frequent comorbidities which in turn promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Above all depressions can be diagnosed in the majority of long-term alcohol addicts. Of the alcoholic is therefore in one from a psychological point of view Vicious circlethat can hardly be broken through on its own. Also in social environment, especially within the family, can abnormal alcohol consumption (alcoholism) lead to serious problems.
alcoholism Not only does it affect the well-being of the dependent, as this condition usually has to be avoided Life partners, the Children and others relatives to be worn with. In about 35 percent of the observed cases this even goes so far that the compulsive alcohol consumption of the person concerned occurs domestic violence leads. This fact can be justified in the fact that a person suffering from alcoholism is permanently influenced by strong external stimuli and in the course of this one Increase in aggressiveness With Loss of control can occur. In addition, within the family, the person suffering from alcoholism leads to one social decline, the one owed to a possible, the dependence unemployment and / or the Loss of social standing is to be traced back.
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Another significant consequence of alcoholism that has been present for several years is Development of organ-specific impairments. The toxic effects of that contained in alcohol Ethanol can cause considerable damage
In addition, many people suffering from alcoholism can develop mild erectile dysfunctions up to and including impotence observe. Also the Tongue cancer is favored by excessive alcohol consumption.
Basically, the Self-assessment of the respective Patient in the diagnosis of alcoholism play a crucial role.
In most cases, however, the problem is that the dependent alcoholic her own behavior and you Consumption amount at all not as critical look at.
Many of those affected have to be made aware several times by friends, doctors and family that they have a problem. In addition, performing a Self-tests help get a feel for that amount of alcohol consumed daily to get back and that Presence of alcoholism perceive.
In medical diagnostics exist the same four methods about one Alcoholics as such. Since the general practitioner is usually the first point of contact for affected patients, special ones are available Screening procedure in the first place in the diagnosis of alcoholism.
The so-called AUDIT test (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) uses ten questions to collect the test person's drinking behavior.
Of the MALT test (Munich alcoholism test), on the other hand, consists of two parts, a third-party assessment part based on laboratory values, withdrawal symptoms and secondary diseases, and a self-assessment part.
The third screening method that is often used in general practice is the so-called CAGE interview, which consists of four questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no". Are at least in this test two “yes” answers before, this indicates that Present one alcoholism down. The name CAGE comes from the first letters of the questions asked.
C. = Cut down: "Have you tried (unsuccessfully) to limit your alcohol consumption?"
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A. = Annoyed: "Have other people criticized your drinking behavior and annoyed you with it?"
G = Guilty: "Have you ever felt guilty about your alcohol consumption?"
E. = Eye opener: "Have you ever had a drink right after getting up to 'get going' or to calm down?"
Treatment of people with alcoholism can and should take place on several levels.
Possible therapy methods can be found in the areas of psychotherapy and drug treatment. Furthermore, participating in a self-help group for people suffering from alcoholism can be helpful, especially in the early stages.
The first step in successful alcoholism therapy is detoxification or so-called alcohol withdrawal. As a rule, this should be done in an inpatient setting and monitored by medical supervision. Inpatient admission during alcohol withdrawal offers the advantage of the possibility of immediate therapy for possible (possibly life-threatening) withdrawal symptoms. In addition, many affected patients describe detoxification under direct medical supervision as much easier and more promising.
Following the actual alcohol withdrawal, the now dry alcoholic should be promptly included in psychotherapeutic treatment. Psychotherapy for people suffering from alcoholism can be carried out on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Especially in the beginning, however, the relapse rates suggest that an inpatient admission in the sense of long-term weaning therapy (10-16 weeks) on average promises significantly more success.
In milder cases of alcoholism, so-called short-term therapy can be considered as an alternative to long-term treatment. In the course of psychotherapy, strategies are discussed with the patient concerned, which help to rigorously refuse a renewed exposure to alcohol. In addition, motivating discussions take place at regular intervals, which encourage the former alcoholic to maintain the alcohol-free path that has now been taken. Since in most cases there are deeply rooted triggers for the development of alcoholism, the psychotherapeutic support also deals with the recognition and treatment of these triggers.
Read more on the topic: Alcohol withdrawal
in the General it can be assumed that the forecast and thus also the success one Alcoholism therapy depends less on the type and intensity of the treatment measures carried out. The motivation and the understanding of the affected patient with regard to the effects of their own behavior significantly determine the risk of a relapse. A former alcoholic is located for the Rest of his life in one struggle with oneself, which can certainly be won with sufficient willpower.
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