Sonia Gutierrez

HLTH 1050-004
Alcoholism Journal
Alcoholism is a condition where a person has developed an uncontrolled addiction to
alcohol. Its defined by the constant preoccupation about drinking alcohol that disrupts the
alcoholics life psychologically, physically and socially. The first signs, or syndrome, of alcohol
abuse is continuing the use of alcohol despite knowing that there is a problem. The second
syndrome arises when the abuser becomes dependent on the alcohol.
Alcoholism can lead to many different diseases, many affect the liver. Fatty liver disease
happens when fat deposits accumulate in the liver, alcoholic cirrhosis is scarring and
deterioration of liver cells and alcoholic hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver.
Cardiovascular problems can also occur, increasing high blood pressure and the chances of
having a stroke among other problems. Alcoholism can increases the chances for cancer in the
pharynx and the larynx as well as dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. WernickeKorsakoff Syndrome is characterized by disorientation, cognitive deficits, amnesia and motor
difficulty.
Treatment for alcoholism can be biologically based with medicines like disulfiram,
naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosate and ondansetron to help overcome the physical side of
alcohol. Other treatments are more behavioral based such as Alcoholics Anonymous which has
twelve principles that lead to recovery. Another behavioral based treatment is SMART recovery
which focuses more on self-management and the ability for someone to persevere. It emphasizes
a non spiritual philosophy and a greater sense of personal control.