Alcoholism

 Description

Alcoholism, Alcohol Dependence, is a syndrome due to physical dependence on Alcohol (Ethanol) to the extent that sudden deprivation may cause withdrawal symptoms.

 Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations.  It is often progressive and fatal.  It is characterized by:

 Impaired control over drinking.

 Preoccupation with obtaining Alcohol.

 Use of Alcohol despite adverse consequences (such as impairment of physical health, psychological functioning, interpersonal functioning and legal and financial problems).

 Denial involving manoeuvres that decrease awareness of the fact that Alcohol use is the cause of the alcoholic's problems rather than a solution to those problems.  Denial becomes an integral part of the disease and is usually a major obstacle to recovery from Alcoholism.

The withdrawal symptoms of Alcohol addiction are known as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

Nervous System

 Alcoholics may experience Anxiety as a symptom of withdrawal from Alcohol consumption.

 Alcoholics may experience Convulsions as a symptom of withdrawal from Alcohol consumption.

 Abrupt cessation of the use of Alcohol by Alcoholics may cause Delirium.  Delirium caused by Alcohol cessation is known as Delirium Tremens.  Approximately 5% of withdrawing alcholics experience Delirium Tremens.

 Alcoholics may experience Depression as a symptom of withdrawal from Alcohol consumption.

 Alcoholics may experience Hallucinations as a symptom of withdrawal from Alcohol consumption.

    Oversensitivity to Noise may occur as a result of Alcohol withdrawal in persons afflicted with Alcoholism.

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced by reforming Alcoholics (it may reduce the tremors experienced by Alcoholics who cease their use of Alcohol).  ^[1]

 Pyroglutamate may be useful for the treatment for Alcoholism.  ^[2]

 S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may be an effective therapy for the treatment of Alcoholism.  ^[3]

 Tryptophan may alleviate Depression in subjects with Alcoholism.  ^[4]

Hormones

 DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) may reduce the Depression commonly experienced by reforming Alcoholics who cease their use of Alcohol.  ^[5]

Lipids

 Many persons afflicted with Alcoholism are found to have sub-optimal Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) levels.  ^[6]

 Prostaglandin E1 (or more practically - its precursors) may reduce the symptoms of Alcohol withdrawal:  ^[7]

 Exogenous Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (administered via injection) may prevent the Alcohol withdrawal syndrome that often afflicts Alcoholic patients.

 Many persons afflicted with Alcoholism are found to have sub-optimal PGE1 levels.

Minerals

 Supplemental Iron is occasionally employed in the treatment of Alcoholism.

 Magnesium may alleviate many of the side effects of Alcoholism and may alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of Alcohol consumption in Alcoholics - alcoholics are often found to be severely deficient in Magnesium.  ^[8]