Alcohol dependence: Complications
Alcohol dependence may have serious social and interpersonal consequences. Household responsibilities and relationships may take a back seat. It also leads to poor performance and frequent avoidance of work. Gradually as the disorder progresses, intellectual impairment and judgemental failure ensue. Alcohol dependence may also lead to serious health problems of which alcoholic liver disease is the commonest. The risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke increases manifold. Alcohol deteriorates both physical and mental health, leading to a marked reduction in life expectancy.
Alcohol dependence: Treatment
Alcohol dependence is treatable mostly in persons who really want to achieve normal well being. The treatment has various modalities, of which detoxification is the primary one. In detoxification, patient needs to be hospitalised where the body gets rid of the offending agent. This detoxification process is usually carried out during the period of remission. This treatment is then followed with anti-alcohol medications like disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited with these drugs. The treatment is incomplete without psycho-social counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy. Family support is of vital significance in the management of alcohol dependence.