neuro equipoise
07-26-2004, 11:32 AM
"Alcohol dependence is a primary and chronic disease that is progressive
and often fatal. Alcohol dependence is not a symptom of another physical
or mental condition. It is a disease in itself, like cancer or heart
disease, with a very recognizable set of symptoms that are shared by
others with the same disorder.
Alcohol dependence includes a number of clinical symptoms and signs as
described in the DSM-IV:
Development of tolerance to the effects of alcohol (the individual
requires more alcohol to achieve the desired effects)
Experience of withdrawal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rapid heartbeat,
delirium) when alcohol is not available or when intake is reduced.
Impaired control over drinking
Preoccupation with obtaining or consuming alcohol
Continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences
Distortions in thinking, most notably denial
Alcohol dependent individuals often experience a severe withdrawal
syndrome when they either abruptly discontinue or sharply reduce their
alcohol consumption.... Some alcoholics have symptoms of irritability,
emotional liability, insomnia, and anxiety that persist for weeks to
months after alcohol withdrawal.
Long-term heavy drinking can result in the development of tolerance,
which is the body's adaptation to the presence of alcohol.... But the
fact is, tolerance may be an early warning sign that a physical
dependence on alcohol is developing. During the late stages of alcohol
dependence reverse-tolerance occurs, meaning the individual becomes
intoxicated more quickly and with less alcohol."
and often fatal. Alcohol dependence is not a symptom of another physical
or mental condition. It is a disease in itself, like cancer or heart
disease, with a very recognizable set of symptoms that are shared by
others with the same disorder.
Alcohol dependence includes a number of clinical symptoms and signs as
described in the DSM-IV:
Development of tolerance to the effects of alcohol (the individual
requires more alcohol to achieve the desired effects)
Experience of withdrawal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rapid heartbeat,
delirium) when alcohol is not available or when intake is reduced.
Impaired control over drinking
Preoccupation with obtaining or consuming alcohol
Continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences
Distortions in thinking, most notably denial
Alcohol dependent individuals often experience a severe withdrawal
syndrome when they either abruptly discontinue or sharply reduce their
alcohol consumption.... Some alcoholics have symptoms of irritability,
emotional liability, insomnia, and anxiety that persist for weeks to
months after alcohol withdrawal.
Long-term heavy drinking can result in the development of tolerance,
which is the body's adaptation to the presence of alcohol.... But the
fact is, tolerance may be an early warning sign that a physical
dependence on alcohol is developing. During the late stages of alcohol
dependence reverse-tolerance occurs, meaning the individual becomes
intoxicated more quickly and with less alcohol."