Alcohol Use Disorder

Although sensitivity to the effects of alcohol may vary with age, people of all ages are susceptible to alcohol use disorders. Those who start drinking at an early age (particularly the preteen years) are much more likely to become dependent on alcohol as adults.

• Very young children are at high risk of very low blood sugar & coma.
• Women may be more sensitive to the effects.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects than younger adults.
• Pregnant women risk giving birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Long Term Effects

The effects of drinking too much alcohol for a long period of time can make people dependent on it. The harmful effects include:

• Liver Disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Pancreatitis
• Brain Damage
• Nerve Damage
• Heart Damage
• Thiamin Deficiency
• Worsening Existing Depression
• Cardiovascular Disorders

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Include

Mild to Moderate: begins within 6 hours after drinking stops. Tremor, headache, weakness, sweating, and nausea. Some people have seizures (called alcohol-related epilepsy or rum fits).

Alcohol-Related Hallucinosis: hear voices that seem accusatory and threatening, causing apprehension and terror. May last for days and can be controlled with antipsychotic drugs, such as chlorpromazine or thioridazine.

Delirium Tremens (DTs): usually does not begin immediately, appears about 48 – 72 hours after the drinking stops. Initially anxious, later become increasingly confused, restless sleep, nightmares, excessive sweating, and depression. Pulse rate increases, blood pressure rises, and a fever occurs. Hallucinations, illusions, impaired balance, and a persistent tremor develops in the hands and sometimes extends to the head and body. Most people become severely uncoordinated. Delirium tremens can be fatal, particularly when untreated.

Severe untreated alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.