Alcohol dependence is associated with much human misery throughout the world. By exploring the effects of alcohol on the brain, researchers have produced medicines to help improve the lives of sufferers and those around them.
Disease: Alcohol Dependence
Last update: May 2005
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Alcohol dependence is a severe form of alcoholism, which leads to anti-social behaviour, severe organ damage and physical addiction. It has a drastic impact on the lives of sufferers and those around them, often leading to job loss and the break up of relationships. -
Who becomes alcohol dependent?
Although alcohol dependence is still more common in men, the European female to male ratio has now narrowed to 1:3. Nearly half of all alcoholics begin drinking in adolescence. Alcohol dependence has also been shown to run in families.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that alcohol contributes to one and a half per cent of all deaths worldwide and five per cent of all deaths involving people between the ages of 5 and 29. -
What can be done about it?
To stop drinking, patients have to learn to alter their behaviour, so counselling and group therapy sessions are important. Treatment with medicines is often also used.
Current therapies work by either reducing the desire for alcohol, reducing the rewarding effects it has on the brain or by easing withdrawal symptoms. -
What does the future hold?
The next few years should provide many answers about the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Much of the current research concentrates on the effects of dopamine, a brain chemical that produces the rewarding effects of alcohol. Current treatments blocking the action of alcohol have proved successful, but their use has been limited by their side effects. Further studies are now needed into this important area.