How does alcoholism kill people

[57joonya]

For the longest time when I was sipping on a glass of Jack straight, I thought whiskey was actually good for me. I now kind of laugh at that attitude, but then I used to think cigarettes were good for me. After all, most doctors recommended camels for themselves.

Different times , but that is some history there

 

[Vibroluxer]

*I'm not a medical doctor*

Well you might go to the DSM-V which one website summed up this way:

"You can think of the DSM-5 symptoms of (alcohol use disorder) AUD as stand-alone, or categorize them in groups. To be diagnosed with the disorder, an individual demonstrates at least two of the following over a 12-month period:

[Criteria grouping A: Impaired control over substance use]

1. Consumes more alcohol or spends more time drinking than intended.
2. Wants to limit or halt alcohol use, but hasn’t succeeded.
3. Spends a significant amount of time obtaining alcohol, drinking alcohol, and recovering from alcohol consumption.
4. Craves alcohol.

[Criteria grouping B: Social impairment]

1. Has suffered consequences at home, school, or work due to recurring alcohol use.
2. Has suffered relationship problems due to recurring alcohol use.
3. Has given up or cut back on enjoyable activities due to recurring alcohol use.

[Criteria grouping C: Risky use]

1. Continues to use alcohol in situations when it’s physically dangerous (e.g., drives drunk, has unprotected sex).
2. Continues to use alcohol despite knowing it’s causing them physical or psychological harm.

[Criteria grouping D: Pharmacological

1. Has become increasingly tolerant of alcohol, meaning they are less sensitive to the effects of drinking and need to drink more to become intoxicated.
2. Suffers withdrawal symptoms within a few hours or days after they stop drinking.

The DSM-5 also breaks down AUD by severity:

• Mild AUD: has 2-3 symptoms
• Moderate AUD: has 4-5 symptoms
• Severe AUD: has 6+ symptoms"

From:

Alcohol Use Disorder: Criteria, Symptoms, and Treatment | Thriveworks

When you have symptoms of alcohol use disorder, you need information - and an action plan. We provide both, so you can understand and treat your drinking issues.

thriveworks.com

As well thought out as that is, they don't use the word alcoholic in their diagnosis. Maybe it's a term that's fallen out of favor.

 

[Boxla]

I'd say there is a big difference between someone who drinks every night but can stop at any time, or go without for however many days, weeks, months, years and someone who drinks every day because they don't have the ability to go a single day without a drink. There are millions of people who have a drink every day or 4-7 days a week but are not alcoholics, there are also millions who can't go a single day without a drink and many who actually need a drink to start their day. On top of that, there are people who's lives are ruined by their everyday drinking and many who are considered functioning alcoholics. I have friends like that. They get up every day, gets their kids to school, hold down a good job etc.. but can't go a single night without a drink and are constantly looking for people to drink with nearly every night of the week. And they go late into the nights. I check out at 10p and the next day, once again, they say they were up to 2am. Then get up at 6:30 and start the day. And they never seem to wake up with hangovers either.

 

[ruger9]

I'd say there is a big difference between someone who drinks every night but can stop at any time, or go without for however many days, weeks, months, years and someone who drinks every day because they don't have the ability to go a single day without a drink. There are millions of people who have a drink every day or 4-7 days a week but are not alcoholics, there are also millions who can't go a single day without a drink and many who actually need a drink to start their day. On top of that, there are people who's lives are ruined by their everyday drinking and many who are considered functioning alcoholics. I have friends like that. They get up every day, gets their kids to school, hold down a good job etc.. but can't go a single night without a drink and are constantly looking for people to drink with nearly every night of the week. And they go late into the nights. I check out at 10p and the next day, once again, they say they were up to 2am. Then get up at 6:30 and start the day. And they never seem to wake up with hangovers either.

Great post. Yes, one of my best friends was exactly like that. Until he started puking blood. He had the classic rupture of whatever blood vessel is in the stomach, common amongst alcoholics. Ascites. Liver damage. He was drinking every day by lunch, and stayed up late drinking "because I can't sleep" and "I drink alcohol so I can sleep"...

He almost didn't make it. But he did. He's still not 100%, never will be. Doc told him if he drinks again he'll likely die. He made it about a year, then fell off the wagon. Back in the hospital. Didn't die, but I can't imagine it's doing his life expectancy any good.

 

[peteb]

It depends on why you're drinking, in my experience.
Would you find it difficult to stop for a month or two, if you had to go on medication?

thank you candy in the sky,

I can totally relate.

thank you for sharing.

this helps me and many others.

 

[Buckocaster51]

We have a rule here.

MEDICAL/QUASI-MEDICAL OR HOMEOPATHIC DRUGS/SUPPLEMENTS:
You cannot use the TDPRI to provide medical advice for others to use specific drugs or supplements. Offering specific medical advice and/or the recommendation of specific doctors, treatments, drugs or supplements will be removed.

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