Accessed April 27, 2018. “Alcohol Withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.Gov, 10 Jan. 2019. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The below list of underlying medical conditions is not exhaustive and only includes conditions with sufficient evidence to draw conclusions; it is a living document that may be updated at any time, subject to potentially rapid change as the science evolves. Accessed April 27, 2018. A child born to an alcoholic mother may suffer the stigmata of fetal alcohol syndrome, characterized by low birth weight, facial dysmorphism, cardiac anomalies, and mental retardation. Alcoholism, on the other hand, means a person needs alcohol to get through their day. Excessive drinking may occur daily or during binges separated by intervals of sobriety lasting from days to months. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 14, 2018. Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so, Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use, Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol, Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use, Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it's causing physical, social or interpersonal problems, Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies, Using alcohol in situations where it's not safe, such as when driving or swimming, Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from the same amount, Experiencing withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — when you don't drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms, 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer (about 5 percent alcohol), 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor (about 7 percent alcohol), 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of unfortified wine (about 12 percent alcohol), 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof hard liquor (about 40 percent alcohol), Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injury, such as drowning, Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes or being the victim of a crime, Legal problems or problems with employment or finances, Engaging in risky, unprotected sex, or experiencing sexual abuse or date rape, Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide, Loss of interest in activities and hobbies and in personal appearance, Red eyes, slurred speech, problems with coordination and memory lapses, Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as joining a new crowd, Frequent mood changes and defensive behavior. This is of particular concern when you're taking certain medications that also depress the brain's function. You can browse the medical terminology glossary or search medical terms. alcohol: [ al´kah-hol ] 1. any organic compound containing the hydroxy (-OH) functional group except those in which the OH group is attached to an aromatic ring, which are called phenols. If you're concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. Alcoholics are more likely than nonalcoholics to be involved in automobile accidents (more than 25% of all traffic deaths involve alcohol) and to commit violent crimes, including spousal and child abuse and homicide. Talk openly with your child, spend quality time together and become actively involved in your child's life. Accessed May 27, 2018. The more alcohol consumed before sleep, the more REM sleep is impacted. Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help. Accessed April 27, 2018. Korsakoff's syndrome affects memory and prevents new learning from taking place. In the past the alcoholism definition was... "....to be in a state of constant intoxication with total disregard for the negative consequences." Alcohol and public health: Frequently asked questions. You're likely to start by seeing your doctor. Some patients may opt to join Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), a group support organization available for men and women since 1935. Chronic alcoholism was a pathological condition caused by the habitual use of alcoholic beverages in poisonous amounts over a long period of time. Al-Anon Family Groups. The Definition of Alcoholism. While drinking alcohol may help some people fall asleep quicker, research suggests that it reduces REM sleep. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Medicine/medicine.htm. 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