Description
Use of the drug alcohol to an extent that impairs social, personal or occupational
functioning, and which results in poor physical health. Abuse of alcohol is associated
with divorces, separations, violent crime, traffic accidents, other injuries, and is a
factor in obesity and high blood pressure. Australia ranks 15th in the world in absolute
alcohol consumption, and the number of problem drinkers is high: some estimate it at 1 in
17 people. Alcohol
dependence is where physical and psychological reliance on alcohol has
occurred. Extreme dependence on alcohol produces an escalating pattern of behaviour
changes. An uncontrollable urge to drink and increased tolerance to the effects of alcohol
ensures increased intake. Physical effects include damage to many body organs and systems.
Alcoholism is a chronic illness
accompanied by physical dependence on alcohol. It has a slow and insidious onset and can
occur at any age. The health consequences of alcoholism are severe: irreversible damage to
liver and brain. Many other body organs are also affected. Abrupt cessation of intake
leads to characteristic withdrawal symptoms (e.g. muscle weakness, sweating and
hyper-reflexia) and at its most severe these are referred to as the "DT's"
(delirium tremens). As many as … Australians may be alcoholic. |
Information
& Support
Australian Drug Foundation Views, events,
searchable library, information about drug abuse, education strategies.
National Drug
and Alcohol Research Centre Based at the University of New South
Wales. Provides extensive research information and service links on
alcohol and drug abuse. |