alcoholism
...kers, the World Health Organization and the American College of Physicians have all classified alcoholism as a disease. The symptoms of Alcohol dependence include, tolerance changes (need for more to achieve desired effect, or achieving the effect with lesser amounts of alcohol), Withdrawal symptoms following a reduction or cessation of drinking (such as sweating, rapid pulse, tremors, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, or seizures) or using alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms (for example, early morning drinking), Drinking more alcohol or drinking over a longer period of time than intended (loss of control), the inability to cut down or stop, spending a great deal drinking or recovering from its effects, giving up important social, occupational, or recreational events, and to continue to drink even if the victim knows its hurting them. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, about 12.9 million Americans are heavy drinkers and 46 million Americans are binge drinkers. Studies suggest that the lifetime risk of alcoholism in the United States is about 10% for men and about 3% for women. Some frightening effects from alcohol dependence are cirrhosis, which stops the liver from functioning, pancreatitis, neuropathy (damage to the nerves), depression, insomnia, suicide, nutritional deficiencies, and change of personality, cancer, and high blood pressure. Although not thoroughly proven, genetics have a role in alcohol dependency. One 2001 study found that the amygdala is smaller in subjects with family histories of alcoholism, suggesting that inherited differences in brain structure may affect risk. The amygdala is an area of the brain thought to play a role in the emotional aspects of craving, which can lead to addiction. Treatments such as detoxification and staying secluded away from alcohol for several weeks with medicinal treatment are some ways people deal with alcohol dependence. Others find that going to AA meetings or physiotherapy meetings can help. Yet in the end, a strong will and determination to stop will work. I know from experience from someone I know. This someone is close to me, and at a time this someone had a serious problem with alcohol. Coming home day after day from he/she would have a few drinks and then more and mor...