Monday, March 31, 2003Alcoholism
Despite efforts by health care professionals to promote responsible use of alcohol, nearly 14 million people, or about one of every 13 Americans, are problem drinkers. Dr. Ken Davis discusses the health problems that heavy alcohol use can cause and the signs of alcohol abuse in today’s Sixty Second Housecall.
Alcoholism is common and can be very costly. It can cause many medical problems or make existing ones worse and it can destroy families and lives.
You have an alcohol problem if alcohol use interferes with your health or daily living. You develop alcoholism if you become physically or psychologically dependent on alcohol.
Long-term heavy drinking can damage the liver, nervous system, heart and brain. It can also lead to high blood pressure, stomach problems, medication interactions, sexual problems, osteoporosis and cancer.
Symptoms of an alcohol problem include personality changes, blackouts, increasing alcohol intake, and denial of the problem. A person with alcoholism may sneak drinks, drink alone or early in the morning, and suffer from the shakes. He or she may also develop family, school or work problems.
Many people deny that they have a problem with alcohol. If you or a loved one show signs of alcohol abuse, seek help from your physician or a counselor. For more information, log onto wtva.com and click on Sixty Second Housecall. For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.