INTRODUCTION

Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and

generally refers to alcohol addiction, which is the compulsive and
uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the
detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and
social standing. It is medically considered a disease, specifically
an addictive illness. In psychiatry several other terms have been
used, specifically "alcohol abuse", "alcohol dependence," and
"alcohol use disorder" which have slightly different definitions.
Alcohol misuse has the potential to damage almost every organ in
the body, including the brain. The cumulative toxic effects of
chronic alcohol abuse can cause both medical and psychiatric
problems. One who has alcoholism is called an alcoholic
Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that
includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied
with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes
problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical
dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly
decrease or stop drinking. If you have alcoholism, you can't
consistently predict how much you'll drink, how long you'll drink,
or what consequences will occur from your drinking.
History of alcohol
It's likely that alcohol production started when early farmers noted the fermentation
that took place in fallen fruit. They may have found the fizzy flavor and sharp
aroma pleasing. Trial and error using different fruits and grains finally resulted in
formulas that could be refined and repeated for a pleasant alcoholic drink.
Alcohol manufacture started in an organized fashion about ten thousand years ago,
when a fermented drink was produced from honey and wild yeasts.
By 6000 BC, grapevines were being cultivated in the mountains between the Black
and Caspian Seas, just for the purpose of making wine. In another 2000 years,
Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) had a thriving wine-making activity.

When Egypt hit its stride around 3000 BC, wine production and shipping
throughout the Mediterranean were important businesses. Romans made wine from
the wild grapes that grew in the countryside - grapes with the yeasts necessary for
fermentation already growing on their skin. The wine was important in their
commerce as well, sometimes being used in trade for slaves who then worked at
the vineyards. The Romans developed a way of letting a fine vintage age, using an
amphora, a large, tapered two-handled jar. It was filled with nearly seven gallons of
wine and then sealed. It was then protected from the air while it matured.
Around 1500 BC, the Roman god Dionysus began to appear in literature. Dionysus
(Bacchus in Greek myth) was the god of the grape harvest and wine-making. A cult
grew around the belief that wine could be used in rituals to return to a more
innocent, aware state. Even today the word "bacchanal" is used to describe a
drunken celebration. Dionysian rites got somewhat out of hand after they spread to
Italy and they were outlawed by the Senate. Increasing drunkenness began to
accompany a Roman decline in simplicity and honesty, with those characteristics
being replaced by ambition, corruption and regular, heavy drinking.
It's possible that alcoholic beverages were being used in China well before it was
being used in the west, but records are hard to come by. It is thought that alcoholic
drinks were used as part of celebrations, when taking an oath of office or going
into battle, as well as usual occasions like births, deaths and marriages. While
moderation was officially encouraged in 1116 BC, the Chinese treasury was
continually fattened by alcohol sales.
By 800 BC, barley and rice beer began to be produced in India.
When Plato arrived on the scene, he advised that wine was beneficial to health and
happiness, but only in moderation (400 BC). As time passed, one philosopher after
another began to criticize drunkenness. One assumes the alcoholism problem must
have been becoming more pronounced. Alexander the Great was known for his
drunkenness as well as his ability to conquer other cultures.
Between 500 BC and 300 BC, the Hebrews adopted the beverage for all classes
and ages. It was a drink, a part of festivals, a medicine, a provision in time of war,
a necessary supply for their lives. Soon after, wine began to be used in Jewish
rituals and ceremonies.
In Christian writings during the time of Jesus's life, drunkenness was criticized but
alcohol consumption was recommended for medical purposes and not forbidden
for other purposes.

While back in Rome, one emperor after another became known for abusive
drinking. After 69 AD, these reports dropped off and it is thought that drinking may
have declined substantially over the whole Roman Empire.
600 AD, the Prophet Muhammed ordered his adherents to refrain from drinking
alcohol. Bhuddists and Hindu Brahmins also abstained.
By 1100, a medical school in Italy developed distillation, meaning that a much
purer, stronger alcoholic drink could be developed.
The Middle Ages in Europe saw extensive development of choices of wines, beer
and mead (alcoholic beverage made from honey). Wines stayed the most popular
choices in the regions that became Italy, Spain and France. Monks began to brew
nearly all the beer of good quality - beer which now contains hops - plus wine for
celebrating mass. They eventually added brandy to their list of wares.
Beer manufacturing began to grow in Germany, with cities competing for the best
products. By the end of the Middle Ages, beer and wine production made its way
to Scotland and England and quickly became important industries.
When the 1600s rolled around, drunkenness began to be described as a widespread
problem in England, with both beer and wine acting as the offending beverages.
Religious groups fled for American in the next century, and formed Temperance
Societies in the new country.
Protestant leaders in Europe maintained that alcohol was a gift from God and could
be used in moderation for pleasure, enjoyment and health. But drunkenness was
always a sin. As mankind struggled for balance on the subject, Spanish and Polish
peasants consumed an average of three liters of beer per day, and in some English
districts, the amount of beer and ale consumed averages 17 pints per person, per
week. This compares to three pints, today. In Sweden and Denmark, sailors and
laborers seem to have been given a gallon of beer per day.
In America, the first distillery was established on Staten Island and hops began to
be grown in Massachusetts to supply the beer breweries. Massachusetts also had a
rum distillery, started in 1657 in Boston. This would soon become New England's
most prosperous industry and give rise to smuggling activities along the coast, as
alcohol production was taxed in the colonies.
The early 1700s in England saw the production of millions of gallons of gin,
alcohol flavored with juniper berries. By 1733, the London area alone produced 11

million gallons of gin. The poor in London found relief from the difficulties of
urban poverty in the cheap liquor. Taxes on gin were soon increased to try to
reduce to epidemic of drunkenness that followed.
When industrialization spread, a new culture of reliability and sobriety began to
spread with it, no doubt encouraged by mill owners who needed employees who
would get the job done.
American went through its unsuccessful attempt at complete ban of the substance,
shoving the legislation through Congress while many of the male citizens were
away fighting World War One. Unfortunately, this ban on a substance desirable to
many gave rise to organized crime that trafficked in the forbidden drink.
There's nothing new about an addiction to alcohol. The human body and the drug
have had a troubled relationship on this planet for thousands of years. Becoming
addicted does not have to be a death sentence - it may only mean that one needs to
find an effective rehab - fast - before any more damage is done. That is where
Narconon comes in. Relapse does not have to be part of the recovery from
alcoholism. It can actually be a thing of the past, because of the effectiveness of the
Narconon program in putting people back into their feet, capable of creating stable,
sober lives once again.
Signs and symptoms of alcoholism
Signs and symptoms of alcoholism (alcohol dependence)
Alcoholism is the most severe form of problem drinking.
Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but it also
involves another element: physical dependence on alcohol. If you
rely on alcohol to function or feel physically compelled to drink,
youre an alcoholic.
Tolerance: The 1st major warning sign of alcoholism
Do you have to drink a lot more than you used to in order to get
buzzed or to feel relaxed? Can you drink more than other people
without getting drunk? These are signs of tolerance, which can be
an early warning sign of alcoholism. Tolerance means that, over
time, you need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects.

Withdrawal: The 2nd major warning sign of alcoholism

Do you need a drink to steady the shakes in the morning?
Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms is a sign of
alcoholism and a huge red flag. When you drink heavily, your
body gets used to the alcohol and experiences withdrawal
symptoms if its taken away. These include:
Anxiety or jumpiness

Depression

Shakiness or trembling

Irritability

Sweating

Fatigue

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Insomnia

Headache

In severe cases, withdrawal from alcohol can also involve

hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. These
symptoms can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor if you are a
heavy drinker and want to quit.
Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism (alcohol
dependence)
Youve lost control over your drinking. You often drink
more alcohol than you wanted to, for longer than you
intended, or despite telling yourself you wouldnt.
You want to quit drinking, but you cant. You have a
persistent desire to cut down or stop your alcohol use, but
your efforts to quit have been unsuccessful.
You have given up other activities because of alcohol.
Youre spending less time on activities that used to be
important to you (hanging out with family and friends, going

to the gym, pursuing your hobbies) because of your alcohol

use.
Alcohol takes up a great deal of your energy and
focus. You spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about it, or
recovering from its effects. You have few if any interests or
social involvements that dont revolve around drinking.
You drink even though you know its causing
problems. For example, you recognize that your alcohol use
is damaging your marriage, making your depression worse,
or causing health problems, but you continue to drink
anyway
SIGNIFICANCE IN STUDYING ALCOHOLISM
It is importanec to study and research on alcoholism as it is a well
known disease which has plagued the society by putting various
social mental and financial problems and pressures on the citizens
and the individual consuming alcohol itself. The fact that its is
readily avaliable and most common among many countries has
led to its widespread consumption aming teenagers also. By
studying alcohol dependence or alcoholism, one would be able to
analyse the root of the problem, its causes, effects and
treatments to reduce its intake and to create awarness among the
society by educating the people about its dire consequences both
physical and psychological.

BODY
Common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:
Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home,
work, or school because of your drinking. For example,
performing poorly at work, flunking classes, neglecting your
kids, or skipping out on commitments because youre hung
over.
Using alcohol in situations where its physically
dangerous, such as drinking and driving, operating
machinery while intoxicated, or mixing alcohol with
prescription medication against doctors orders.
Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of
your drinking. For example, getting arrested for driving
under the influence or for drunk and disorderly conduct.
Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is
causing problems in your relationships. Getting drunk
with your buddies, for example, even though you know your
wife will be very upset, or fighting with your family because
they dislike how you act when you drink.
Drinking as a way to relax or de-stress. Many drinking
problems start when people use alcohol to self-soothe and
relieve stress. Getting drunk after every stressful day, for

example, or reaching for a bottle every time you have an

argument with your spouse or boss.
How Alcohol Affects the Body
Even a small amount of alcohol has an affect on your body. When
you drink, alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream and
distributed throughout your body. A tiny amount of alcohol exits
your body in your urine and your breath. You absorb alcohol more
slowly if you eat, especially if the food is high in fat. However, if
you drink more than your body can process, youll get drunk. How
quickly alcohol is metabolized depends on your size and gender,
among other things. Alcohol consumption causes physical and
emotional changes that can do great harm to your body. The longterm effects of alcohol abuse are many, putting your health in
serious jeopardy and endangering your life.
Alcohol's Effects on the Body
Drinking too much on a single occasion or over time can take a serious
toll on your health. Heres how alcohol can affect your body:
Brain:
Alcohol interferes with the brains communication pathways, and can affect
the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood
and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with
coordination.
Heart:
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can
damage the heart, causing problems including:

Cardiomyopathy Stretching and drooping of heart muscle

Arrhythmias Irregular heart beat

Stroke

High blood pressure

Research also shows that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may
protect healthy adults from developing coronary heart disease.

Liver:
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of
problems and liver inflammations including:

Steatosis, or fatty liver

Alcoholic hepatitis

Fibrosis

Cirrhosis
Pancreas:
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can
eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of
the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.
Cancer:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain
cancers, including cancers of the:

Mouth
Esophagus
Throat
Liver
Breast

What Are the Treatments for Alcoholism?

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Among alcoholics with
otherwise good health, social support, and motivation, the likelihood of
recovery is good. Approximately 50% to 60% remain abstinent at the end of
a year's treatment and a majority of those stay dry permanently. Those with
poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to
relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is
measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better
health, and improved social functioning.
Conventional Medicine for Alcoholism

Treatment for alcoholism can begin only when the alcoholic accepts that
the problem exists and agrees to stop drinking. He or she must understand
that alcoholism is curable and must be motivated to change. Treatment has
three stages:
1. Detoxification (detox): This may be needed
immediately after discontinuing alcohol use
and can be a medical emergency, as detox
can result in withdrawal seizures,
hallucinations, delirium tremens (DT), and in
some cases may result in death.
2. Rehabilitation: This involves counseling and
medications to give the recovering alcoholic
the skills needed for maintaining sobriety. This
step in treatment can be done inpatient or
outpatient. Both are equally effective.
3. Maintenance of sobriety: This step's success
requires an alcoholic to be self-driven. The
key to maintenance is support, which often
includes regular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
meetings and getting a sponsor.
Because detoxification does not stop the craving for alcohol, recovery is
often difficult to maintain. For a person in an early stage of alcoholism,
discontinuing alcohol use may result in some withdrawal symptoms,
including anxiety and poor sleep. Withdrawal from long-term dependence
may bring the uncontrollable shaking, spasms, panic, and hallucinations of
DTs. If not treated professionally, people with DTs have a mortality rate of
more than 10%, so detoxification from late-stage alcoholism should be
attempted under the care of an experienced doctor and may require a brief
inpatient stay at a hospital or treatment center.
Treatment may involve one or more medications. Benzodiazepines are
anti-anxiety drugs used to treat withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and
poor sleep and to prevent seizures and delirium. These are the most
frequently used medications during the detox phase, at which time they are
usually tapered and then discontinued. They must be used with care, since
they may be addictive.