Alcoholism

Description

Physical and mental addiction to alcohol, that sometimes results with chronic disease and loss of interpersonal and family relationships and work capability. Prolonged everyday consumption may lead to permanent damage of the liver (cirrhosis). Other longterm consequences are: anemia, internal bleeding, impaired thinking ability, confusion, coma, multiple carcinoma and premature death.

Symptoms

Weakness, impaired thinking ability, difficulties in decision making process, depression, separation from the family.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done along with other tests that include: complete blood count, liver function tests, hepatogram, check up of blood sugar concentration and electrolytes.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, hepatogram and lipase test.

Additional analyses

Level of ethanol

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry

Therapy

Treatment includes individual and group counseling, conversations with a psychiatrist and/or medicines.