ALCOHOLISM

(Article)

Abstract
Chronic use of alcohol results in progressive changes to brain and behavior that often lead to the
development of alcohol dependence and alcoholism. Although the mechanisms underlying the development of
alcoholism remain to be fully elucidated, diminished executive functioning due to hypoactive prefrontal cortex
executive control and hyperactive limbic system anxiety and negative emotion might contribute mechanistically
to the shift from experimental use to alcoholism and dependence. In the chapter that follows, behavioral deficits
associated with cortical dysfunction and neurodegeneration will be related to the behavioral characteristics of
alcoholism (e.g., diminished executive function, impulsivity, altered limbic modulation). We will provide
evidence that alterations in cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB: neurotrophic) and NF-B
(neuroimmune) signaling contribute to the development and persistence of alcoholism. In addition, genetic
predispositions and an earlier age of drinking onset will be discussed as contributing factors to the development
of alcohol dependence and alcoholism. Overall chronic ethanol-induced neuroimmune gene induction is
proposed to alter limbic and frontal neuronal networks contributing to the development and persistence of
alcoholism.

Keywords:-

Addiction; alcohol; anxiety; astrocyte; chemokines; cytokines; depression; human; innate immunity; microglia

Introduction
Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease. A person with alcoholism typically craves alcohol
and drinks despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as multiple drunk-driving violations, job loss, or
relationship problems. Alcoholism involves a physical dependence on alcohol, but other factors include genetic,
psychological, and cultural influences.

Alcoholism is characterized by cravings for alcohol and an inability to stop drinking. It is accompanied
by a physical dependence (meaning that the person experiences withdrawal symptoms when not drinking) and
an increased tolerance for alcohol (meaning the person needs to drink greater amounts to feel "good"). Before
entering recovery, most alcoholics deny they have a problem. People who abuse alcohol, but are not dependent
on it, may have similar symptoms, but they do not feel the same craving to drink and usually do not experience
withdrawal symptoms.

About 17 million people in the United States abuse alcohol, and estimates suggest that more than 70
million Americans have faced alcoholism in their families. Alcohol abuse is one of the 4 most common causes
of death in the U.S., and it is involved in almost half of all traffic deaths in the U.S.
 Objectives
Be aware of the dangers of binge drinking - alcohol poisoning (sexual assault, vandalism, violence,
drugging of drinks)
Know that drinking patterns can lead to drinking habits and the correlaiton between genetics and
alcoholism.
Know the effects of drinking on marks and overall GPA.
Be able to define a drinking problem.
Be able to relate to other students' tragedies to own circumstances (stories from the newspaper).
Know drinks can be drugged and how to protect own drinks.
Know the physical effects of alcohol and the relationship with energy drinks (e.g. red bull) as well as
ecstasy and marijuana.
State CAMH's (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) low risk drinking guidelines.
Know the drinking and driving issues whether they are the driver or the passenger.
State where they can go for further help.

Hypothesis
Experimental results and theoretical considerations on the biology of alcoholism are devoted to the following
topics:

(1) genetically determined differences in metabolic tolerance;

(2) participation of the alternative alcohol metabolizing systems in chronic alcohol intake;

(3) genetically determined differences in functional tolerance of the CNS to the hypnotic effect of alcohol;

(4) cross tolerance between alcohol and centrally active drugs;

(5) dissociation of tolerance and cross tolerance from physical dependence;

Prevention of alcoholism

1. Alcoholism involves a physical dependence on alcohol, but other factors include genetic, psychological,
and cultural influences Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease in which a person craves
alcohol and drinks despite repeated alcohol related problems (like losing a job or a relationship).1.
2. . By pharmacological definitionalcohol is a drug and may beclassified as a sedative, tranquilizer ,
hypnotic oranesthetic , depending uponthe quantity consumed.
3. The consumption is 2 liters per person a year. However, patterns of consumption vary. Kerala, Punjab,
Andhra Pradesh, Goa and the North-Eastern States have a much higher proportion of alcohol
consumption.
4. . The population groups at high risk are thoseundergoing rapid socioeconomic and cultural changesand
under peer pressure, they view alcohol as asymbol of prestige and social status.
 5. . Studies by Alcohol & The average age of initiation to alcohol in Kerala which was 19 years in1986
has come down to 14 years in 2006.Drug Information Centre (ADIC)- India shows an alarming
increase in alcohol consumption among adolescents and youth during the last 20 years.
6. Liver disease Needing more alcohol to feel its effects Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea,
sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when you stop drinking Having legal problems or an inability to
sustain a relationship or a job Becoming irritable when you can t get a drink at your regular time
Blackouts (not remembering events or conversations) Not being able to control the amount you drink
Craving alcohol, in early hours Drinking by yourself or in secret
7. . Broken homes Men have higher rates of alcoholism than women Having a pre-existing psychiatric
disorder (such as depression or anxiety) Being under a lot of stress Smoking cigarettes (particularly
teenagers) Drinking more than 1 - 2 drinks per day Beginning to drink early, by age 16 or sooner
Having 2 or more adverse events during childhood Family history of alcohol abuse.
8. Economical - Poverty , wastage of national wealth Social - family disintegration, poor work
performance, Anti social behavior, poor interpersonal relation Psychological Loss of inhibition Over
talkativeness Less self control, suicidal tendency Physiological Cardio myopathy, Peripheral
Neuropathy, Gastritis , peptic ulcer , liver cirrhosis , pancreatitis, Ca of mouth , Pharynx, liver
9. . PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY
10. Educational Approach Programs for children ,risk group Electronic Media Target group
interventionLegal Approach Control of production and sale Raising prices and taxes Raising of
minimum age Ban advertisement available centerslow use of alcohol contentimprove mental health and
coping mech tostressparents to be Role Model for their children

Conclusion

Alcohol is not an ordinary commodity. While it carries connotations of pleasure and sociability in the
minds of many, harmful consequences of its use are diverse and widespread from a global perspective, in order
to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, policies need to take into account specific situations in different societies.
Average volumes consumed and patterns of drinking are two dimensions of alcohol consumption that need to be
considered in efforts to reduce the burden of alcohol-related problems. Avoiding the combination of drinking
and driving is an example of measures that can reduce the health burden of alcohol. Worlwide, alcohol takes an
enormous toll on lives and communities, especially in developing countries and its contribution to the overall
burden of disease is expected to increase in the future. Particularly worrying trends are the increases in the
average amount of alcohol consumed per person in countries such as China and India and the more harmful and
risky drinking patterns among young people. National monitoring systems need to be developed to keep track
of alcohol consumption and its consequences, and to raise awareness amongst the public and policy-makers. It
is up to both governments and concerned citizens to encourage debate and formulate effective public health
policies that minimize the harm caused by alcohol.