Alcohol misuse: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Kingrajinix (talk | contribs) |
Kingrajinix (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
====Withdrawal | ====Withdrawal==== | ||
Uncomplicated withdrawal: | Uncomplicated withdrawal: | ||
Revision as of 10:44, 13 May 2008
Definition
Alcohol misuse, abuse or alcoholism are catch-all terms for use alcohol of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcohol dependence is specifically defined as physical dependence on alcohol.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of alcohol dependence is 5% in England and Wales (8% men, 2% women). As of 2001, 27% of men and 15% of women over 16 drunk more than their weekly recommended allowance. The same is true for 39% of men's and 22% of women's daily allowance.
Pathophysiology
There are a variety of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors which contribute to alcohol misuse.
Risk Factors
- High-Risk Occupations:
- Publicans
- Doctors
- Journalists
- Shipping And Travel Industries
- Unskilled Worker
- Unemployed
- Lower Social Class
Clinical Features
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Withdrawal
Uncomplicated withdrawal:
- Shakes
- Sweating
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Mood disturbance
- Hyperacusis
- Autonomic symptoms
- Agitation
Delirium
- Perceptual Disturbances
- 8-12 hours after cessation
- Illusions or Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Up to 2 days after cessation
- Generalised tonic-clonic
- 5-15% of dependant drinkers
- Predisposed in: previous history, epiplepsy, low potassium/magnesium