The DSM IV refer to the terms "addiction", "dependence" and "alcoholism" interchangeably to mean individuals who have impaired control or dependence over drug use, and continue to behave in a manner which may previously have caused problems for the individual. The relationship with the drug is paramount for the user in all kinds of situations. Psychologically, the individual is obsessed with the drug and generate a compulsion to drink. Physiologically the neuro-chemical action takes over the rationale brain action (American Psychiatric Association 1994)
[...] Children who grow up with alcoholic parents are most likely to turn to alcohol for the same reasons (Al-Anon 2005). These grave consequences of alcoholism have motivated the society's gatekeepers to resolve the disease from spreading and disturbing social norms. Two famous groups have formed namely Alcoholic Anonymous and Al- Anon derived from AA. Both organizations are voluntary organizations formed with the aim to support individuals who want to stop drinking. Given the proliferation of alcoholism from a very young age, a sister concern of Al- Anon has formed Alateen for youngsters with the same problem. [...]
[...] Lancet i:1435–1439 Alcohol Alert (October 2000). New Advances in Alcoholism Treatment. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism No Walsh, N.P.(October 26, 2003). Russia's child alcoholics get their own clinic. The Observer. Accessed on 1-9-2005 available at: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1071181,00.html Author not available, (2005). Russia: alcohol yesterday and today, Society for the Study of Addiction 146–149 American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) (DSM-IV). Washington, D.C.: APA. Author not available, (2001). Medical Council on Alcohol. Alcohol and Alcoholism Vol No pp. [...]
[...] Pharmacology Recent research indicate that the development of medications in blocking the alcohol brain interactions trigger alcoholic behavior. In the US, this has been the result of using medication like naltrexone (ReVia) which has benefited to alcoholics to a certain extent in preventing relapse among recovering alcoholics who are undergoing psychosocial therapy. However, later research indicate high rate of side effects. Another treatment popular among Europeans is Acamprosate which showed abstinence uptown 1 year among alcoholics. Other types of medications that may prove effective for alcoholics include ondansetron (Zofran), Sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) (Alcohol Alert 2000). [...]
[...] Adams further notes that alcoholics tend to be subject to high risk behavior as they may turn to other types of dependence such as drugs, gambling, over spending, sex etc. Other researchers describe alcoholic profile as "extravagance, exploratory excitability, impulsiveness, disorderliness group B personalities (antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, histrionic) (Basiaux et al 2001). III. Alcoholism is a disease that affects everyone Alcoholism is not a habit or a simple psychological obsession that goes away with time. Some of the diagnostic evaluations for alcoholism include anxiety disorders, abuse of other substance such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, liver disease, and most important of all damage to the brain. [...]
[...] More than 11000 teenagers are subjected to alcohol problems from a young age. Factors like freely advertised campaign on television of alcohol as well as social norm make children believe it is normal to consume alcohol from a young age. Coupled with social problems like poverty, family issues, peer pressure and food or school etc. all contribute to the motivation for drinking (Walsh 2003). V. Treatments: Alcohol is more a psychological disease as opposed to physical nevertheless its treatment is probable. [...]
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