Alcohol Dependence Relevance of the Topic
Alcohol Dependence Relevance Of The Topic
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA), which publishes the leading causes of death in the U.S. National Vital satistics Report, cirrhosis – primary indicator of deaths related to alcohol – corresponded to the 11th place ranking in 1997, the U.S. (Hoyert, 1999).
Thealcohol dependenceis responsible for other causes of death, such as car accidents, drownings, suicides and homicides, which causes the switch to the 3rd place. Also according to the World Health Organization, excessive intake of alcohol is the 3rd cause of death worldwide (VAISSMAN, OP. CIT., 2004).
Moreover, research shows that approximately 30% of male patients and 10% for women admitted to a general hospital have a disorder related to alcohol (RANGE, OP. CIT., 2005).
An important indicator to assess the problem of alcohol dependence is the measure of its health effects, the frequency of alcoholic psychosis, the syndrome of alcohol dependence, liver disease, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, pancreatitis, and several types of cancer such as mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, liver and breast (MINISTRY OF HEALTH, 2005).
The rate of cancer among drinkers is relevant, whether by action typical of the alcohol itself on the mucosal cells or additive action of the carcinogenic chemicals that enter the process of manufacture of beverages. Regular consumption of alcohol in the amount of three to four drinks or more per day increases the risk of hypertension and stroke (IDEM, 2005).
There is also the risk of developing cardiomyopathy, hyperlipidemia, peripheral neuropathy, cerebral atrophy and a severe disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is related to nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins, especially vitamin B1 or thiamine) found in severe alcoholics (Gonçalves, 1997; Kouvonen, OP. CIT., 2005; Laurenti, 2005; PIANO, 2002 and ZUBARAN, 1996).
For the pregnant woman, alcohol should always be avoided. During the prenatal period, drinking is associated with several adverse consequences such as increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, teratogenic effects may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, and increased chance of developing anovulation and early menopause (RANGE , OP. CIT., 2005 and Svik, 2003).
Margarida Ventura is Psychologist and likes the profession and help others. Visit Depressao and Ansiedade at Depressão Ansiedade Guia de Auto Ajuda
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