What is a fact about alcoholism?
What is a fact about alcoholism?
Alcoholism Can Be Fatal Over 88,000 Americans lose their lives due to alcohol each year, at an average of 30 years premature. This includes 5,000 youth under 21 years old. Nearly 200,000 youth went to the ER in 2008 due to injuries sustained as a result of alcohol abuse.
When did alcoholism become a disorder?
The American Medical Association recognized alcoholism as an illness in 1956, based on the theory that excessive drinking and alcohol addiction is caused by a disease that affects the structure and function of the brain.
What diseases does alcohol cause?
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
- Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
What are three facts about drinking alcohol?
5 Interesting Facts About Alcohol’s Effects
- Alcohol affects men and women differently.
- Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels.
- Moderate alcohol consumption could help protect against heart disease.
- Many factors influence how people react to alcohol.
- Drinking does not actually warm you up.
What is the origin of alcoholism?
First, it generally develops slowly over a person’s life and can occur in people of all ages. Second, it has no single known cause: Heredity, culture, economics, and the environment all contribute to its development, and each alcoholic has his or her own personal drinking history.
Why is alcohol considered a chronic disease?
Alcoholism is considered a chronic disease with a long-term course, so treatment must mirror this concept. The best treatment plans are typically long-term and evolve over time to continue addressing the changing needs of the individual as they move through the steps of recovery. National Center for Health Statistics.
Can alcoholism cause dementia?
Alcohol and dementia Alcohol consumption in excess has well-documented negative effects on both short- and long-term health, one of which is brain damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Why you should think of alcoholism as a disease?
Alcoholism is considered a brain disease because it affects the way the brain operates, causing symptoms such as compulsive behavior and intense cravings. It disrupts a person’s ability to think critically, make rational decisions and function normally. We know this through observational studies and self-reports from alcoholics.
Should alcoholism be viewed as a disease?
SUMMARY: Excessive drinking can cause physical disease and involve physical dependence without therefore being a disease itself. The “disease concept” of alcoholism is not needed to justify medical intervention or a caring approach to those who are dependent on alcohol.
What are the health problems caused by alcoholism?
Increases Cancer Risk. Scientists believe the increased risk of cancer occurs when the body converts the alcohol into acetaldehyde,which is a known carcinogen.
