Alcoolismo ou dependência de álcool é medicamente definido como um padrão de consumo que é prejudicial ao indivíduo. Pode também referir-se a uma compulsão para consumir álcool apesar de seus efeitos negativos. A frequência e quantidade de consumo de álcool, para desenvolver dependência, varia de pessoa para pessoa. É uma doença crônica e progressiva e pode ser fatal se não for tratada.
Os homens são mais propensos a ter problemas relacionados ao álcool do que as mulheres, embora a diferença esteja diminuindo. A OMS estima que cerca de 140 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo sofrem de dependência de álcool. O álcool é uma causa em quase 50% de todos os acidentes de trânsito e mortes nos EUA.
Causas do alcoolismo
Não há nenhuma causa física conhecida que leve ao abuso do álcool. Certos fatores que contribuem para o alcoolismo são os seguintes:
Cultural Factors: Patterns of alcohol consumption are considered to be a reflection of one’s financial status. There is a close correlation between the consumption of alcohol and also the price of alcohol and income levels.
Muitas vezes, as pessoas adotam esse hábito apenas para se adequar aos colegas.
Ter amigos que bebem regularmente pode promover o consumo excessivo.
Emotional Factors: People who are anxious or under a lot of stress are more prone to consuming alcohol, as it is said to temporarily release certain ‘feel good’ hormones in the body.
Fatores psicológicos: Aqueles que sofrem de depressão e baixa auto-estima tendem a adquirir esse hábito com muita facilidade. Diz-se que o álcool altera o equilíbrio de certas substâncias químicas no cérebro que inibem a impulsividade e estimulam o sistema nervoso.
Addiction: Over a period of time, alcohol becomes an addiction. Alcohol raises the levels of dopamine in the brain, which gives the ‘kick’ or pleasurable effect associated with drinking. Long-term drinking, however, depletes the levels of these chemicals, making the body crave for alcohol to restore the ‘good’ feeling. Thus, it becomes a vicious cycle.
Sintomas de abuso de álcool
Almost, all people who suffer from alcohol abuse live in denial of it. They rarely accept that they have a problem that needs to be treated. They often drink when they are alone, and hide alcohol away from people’s view, in order to not be found out.
Beber excessivo pode levar aos seguintes sintomas:
- Loss of concentration.
- Irritability when unable to get a drink.
- Emotional problems with partners or other relationships.
- Inability to remember important schedules or events.
- Constantly thinking up various excuses to drink.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and nervousness if not able to get a drink.
Problemas causados devido ao alcoolismo
Problemas sociais:
Problemas sociais decorrentes do alcoolismo incluem absenteísmo no trabalho, desemprego, tensões conjugais, abuso infantil, dificuldades financeiras e problemas com a lei, incluindo violência e infrações de trânsito.
Problemas físicos:
Cardiovascular system – High blood pressure
Gastrointestinal system – Acidity; Inflammation of the pancreas; Poor absorption leading to deficiencies; Cancer
Liver – Inflammation; Fatty deposits; Cirrhosis; Cancer
Nervous system – Brain hemorrhage; Loss of memory; Premature degeneration
Respiratory system – Pneumonia; Tuberculosis
Endocrine system – Low blood sugar; Cushing’s syndrome
Reproductive system – Infertility; fetal alcohol syndrome
Skin – Acne; Erythema
Vitamin deficiencies – These occur due to an impoverished diet. The most common is Thiamine (B1) deficiency.
Direct toxic effects on the brain – There are periods of amnesia for events that occurred during bouts of intoxication.
Problemas psicológicos:
Depression – This is very common in alcoholism, and is usually a result of the numerous social problems that heavy drinking creates. Alcohol also acts as a direct depressant. Suicide and attempted suicide are more common in alcoholics.
Morbid Jealousy – This is a syndrome characterized by delusions of sexual infidelity. It is usually seen in alcoholics of sensitive or paranoid disposition, whose sexual relationship has deteriorated because of impotence or rejection by the partner.
Withdrawal Symptoms – These indicate physical dependence. The earliest manifestation is a subjective sensation of tension on waking in the morning. This may be accompanied by tremors. Another alcoholic drink relieves these symptoms, thus establishing a pattern of morning drinking.
Indirect Effects on Behavior – These can result from head injury or lowered blood sugar levels.