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Fighting alcoholism

Labels: , Posted by Revina Octavianita on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 7:43 PM


Undoubtedly alcoholism (meaning alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse) is one of primary problems in our society. Alcoholism is more common in males than in females, with an estimated male-to-female ratio as high as five-to-one. A United States study conducted between 1990 and 1991, using DSM standards, found that 14% of the adult population (ages 15–54) had, at some time, met the criteria for alcohol dependence; and 7% had been alcohol-dependent in the past year. An earlier, similar study showed that about 5% of Americans qualified for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse at some point during their life.

So, how can we tell if somebody in our family (ourself included) got alcohol dependence? Here are some of the indicative symptoms:

• not remembering conversations or commitments
• losing interest in activities that were once pleasurable
• ritualized drinking, before, with, and after dinner and being upset if the pattern is interrupted
• becoming irritable as “happy hour” approaches, especially if alcohol is not available
• drinking alone or secretly
• hiding alcohol in unusual places

Alcohol when consumed in an inappropriate dosage will harm many of our bodily system including gastrointestinal system, blood, nervous system, heart and circulatory system, liver and reproductive system. Heavy drinking has a negative effect on fertility in both men and women, decreasing testicular and ovarian size, interfering with sperm and egg production and viability, disrupting menstrual cycles, and reducing libido. When pregnancy is achieved reduced quality of sperm and egg may significantly and permanently affect the quality of life, pre-, peri- and postnatally, of the child.

One very simple tool for beginning the diagnosis of alcoholism is called the CAGE questionnaire. It consists of four questions, with the first letter of each key word spelling out the word CAGE:
• Have you ever tried to Cut down on your drinking?
• Have you ever been Annoyed by anyone’s comments about your drinking?
• Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?
• Do you ever need an Eye-opener (a morning drink of alcohol) to start the day?

If you feel that you or somebody in your family need help with your drinking habit, please do not hesitate to consult your doctor before the problem gets worse.

Image by Carlos
Ref: The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Second Edition

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