Literature Review : Core Elements

While alcohol may have damaging effects to one’s body, many benefits exist if one drinks responsibly. Many studies and cases do show alcohol can damage the liver and other parts of the body; however, when one drinks in a moderate manner many health benefits may exist. Alcohol helps to fight against various health conditions and risks common among many people,

Alcohol consumption affects every aspect of the human body, specifically the brain, liver, central nervous system, pancreas, stomach, and increased cancer risks.

-Alcohol dependence = alcohol abuse combined with tolerance, withdrawal, and an uncontrollable drive to drink. The term ‘alcoholism’ was split into ‘alcohol abuse’ and ‘alcohol dependence’ in 1980 's DSM-III, and in 1987 's DSM-III-R behavioral symptoms were moved from ‘abuse’ to ‘dependence’.

This work was discussed and summarized in a book titled. The Disease Concept of Alcoholism, by E.M.Jellinek, published in 1960. Sufferers of this disease often drink until intoxicated, on a daily basis, causing all sorts on health problems. Cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, and organ failure are just a few of the effects of this disease of the body and mind called alcoholism.

One of the growing epidemics of young adults in the United States is the dependence and/or abuse of alcohol, which is commonly referred to as alcoholism. The condition is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, as an alcohol use disorder (AUD), a type of substance abuse disorder, which encompasses both alcohol abuse and dependence. More specifically AUD is defined as, “medical conditions that doctors can diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2007).” When the reliance or use of alcohol interferes with daily functioning, or causes greater harm to the one’s self, it can then be looked at as a disorder. According to the DSM-V, patients

The term “alcoholism” describes a drinker who is mentally and physically dependent on alcohol, and who would most likely have withdrawal symptoms upon trying to quit. This dependence prevents most alcoholics from being able to control when they drink and how much they drink. For that reason, alcoholics usually drink to excess despite the consequences. Alcoholism, like any addiction, is a chronic disorder which involves continued use despite negative consequences and requires ongoing treatment and management. This research paper will cover many aspects of alcoholism including the causes and effects of drinking and different treatment approaches.

Alcohol use disorder is a common disorder that can lead to substantial effects in one’s cognitive, behavioral and psychological well-being. Alcohol use Disorder is an ongoing pattern of alcohol use that can result in significant and recurrent consequences (APA, 2015). Based on the DSM 5, AUD must be exhibited by two or more symptoms occurring within a 12 month period and severity is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of criteria met (B. Sadock, V. Sadock, & Ruiz,2015). Based on the criteria, those with AUD consume large amounts of alcohol over a period of time than intended and can include a range of symptoms which include cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal (APA, 2015).

Alcoholism can take a toll on a person’s body, it can affect the mind, heart and most well known the liver. Alcohol can interfere with the brain’s ability to function, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a long term effect on the brain that can cause lack of coordination as well as learning and memory problems. Alcohol also effects the heart, it can cause cardiomyopathy which is the stretching and drooping of the heart muscles, stroke, irregular heart beat and even high blood pressure. The liver is the most known organ to be affected, cirrhosis of the liver is when the alcohol consumed over time leads to the healthy liver

Commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. It involves the inability to manage drinking habits (Galbicsek, 2016). Individuals who suffer from alcoholism feel as if they cannot live without consuming alcohol. Signs of alcoholism may include craving alcohol whenever you are not consuming, feeling the need to keep drinking more, and putting alcohol above responsibilities. Alcoholism comes with short term and long term effects. Short-term effects may include reduced brain activity and slow reaction time. Long term effects may include liver disease and bone loss (Galbicsek, 2016).

Presenting Problem: Mr. Thomas is a married 38 year old Caucasian suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder. Although married, he and his wife constantly argues about his drinking, and she has even stopped sleeping with him when he drinks. He was recently arrested for drinking and driving (DUI/DWI), and was advised by his attorney to quit drinking and enter treatment.

Diseases like heart disease and diabetes can result from alcohol abuse. The increase of hospital visit due to alcohol consumption have increased in the adult population. Alcohol abuse is a problem in all ages and

Emotional and physical health can be greatly harmed by drinking alcohol. “Excessive alcohol use among women and girls accounted for an estimated average of 23,000 deaths and 633,000 years of potential life lost in the United States each year during 2001–2005” (Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 36). Just drinking alcohol alone throughout your life can shorten your life by a lot. “Even a small amount of alcohol has an affect on your body. When you drink, alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream and distributed throughout your body. A tiny amount of alcohol exits your body in your urine and your breath.You absorb alcohol more slowly if you eat, especially if the food is high in fat. However, if you drink more than your body can process, you’ll get drunk. How quickly alcohol is metabolized depends on your size and gender, among other things. Alcohol consumption causes physical and emotional changes that can do great harm to your body. The long-term effects of alcohol abuse are many, putting your health in serious jeopardy and endangering your life”

The Department of Health estimates that the harmful use of alcohol costs the National Health Service around £3.5 billion a year and 8% of all hospital admissions involved alcohol- related conditions. Heavy episodic drinking or binge drinking can lead to over 40 medical conditions including getting into fights, problems at school or work, passing out and having unsafe sex (Wechsler & Nelson, 2001). Other long term effects are: liver damage, depression, brain impairment and alcohol problems later in life (McCambridge, McAlaney, & Rowe, 2011; Wechsler, Davenport, Dowdall, Moeykens, & Castillo, 1994).

Alcohol dependence is known to be the most severe form of alcohol abuse. A person becomes so dependent on alcohol consumption that he/she loses sight of all the other important things going on around him/her. Family matters and social responsibilities become secondary worries to his/her primary concern for existence, which is drinking (Stephens, 2007). Nearly fourteen million Americans are somewhat dependent on alcohol. Alcohol dependence is more prominent in men, and young adults ages 18-29 (Stephens, 2007). According to a study done by Saitz “85,000 deaths, along with substantial disability from medical and psychiatric consequences, injuries and “secondhand” effects (ex: motor vehicle crashes) are attributed to the use of alcohol” (Saitz, 2005).

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive and potentially fatal disorder which leads to physical and psychological harm, and impaired social and vocational functioning. It is characterized by tolerance, physical dependence and/or pathological organ changes, all of which are the direct/indirect consequence of the alcohol ingested (Light 5). Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," can be recognized by four obvious symptoms.