Healthinmind/Mental Health Disorders/Substance Abuse Disorders

Alcohol-Related Disorders

DSM-IV has an impressive gallery of alcohol-related disorders. Nearly all of them develop after heavy drinking over a long period of time; the "alcohol withdrawal" members of the gallery are among these, but develop only after a period of abstinence or near-abstinence following heavy use. Alcohol Intoxication is the exceptional case; it can, of course, occur during or after a single drinking bout.  Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which explains some of the diagnoses found below.

The complete gallery is listed just below, and many have names that are self-explanatory: 

Alcohol Abuse, Dependence, Intoxication and Withdrawal
Alcohol Intoxication or Withdrawal Delirium
Alcohol-Induced Persisting Dementia
Alcohol-Induced Persisting Amnestic Disorder
Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder With Delusions
Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder With Hallucinations
Alcohol-Induced Mood Disorder
Alcohol-Induced Anxiety Disorder
Alcohol-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Alcohol-Induced Sleep Disorder
Alcohol-Related Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

The diagnoses above include only the mental disorders associated with alcohol abuse. A second gallery, consisting of the physical harm that can come from alcohol abuse, includes the following conditions: cirrhosis of the liver, gastritis, muscle weakness, ulcers, diarrhea, anemia, and pancreatitis. Other organs can also suffer damage from alcohol or the poor nutrition that often accompanies alcoholism, notably the brain.

Estimates are that 90% of the adults in the United States have drunk alcohol at one time or another, and 60% of males and 30% of females have had at least one bad experience with it. Most of those who drink don't become alcoholics. However, roughly 6% of adults have some problem with alcohol abuse or dependence during a given year. Alcohol-Related Disorders may be the most prevalent mental disorders in the U. S. population (and many other nations have comparable rates). Most people who abuse alcohol are never diagnosed or treated; nevertheless, some of them improve as they get older.

The following books might be helpful:

Beyond the Influence : Understanding and Defeating Alcoholism by Katherine Ketcham, William F. Asbury, Mel Schulstad, Arthur P. Ciaramicoli (Contributor)

12 Steps for Adult Children  by Friends in Recovery

Alcoholics Anonymous by Alcoholics Anonymous

A Drinking Life : A Memoir by Pete Hamill

Read the case history of an alcoholic.

Related web site:

Alcoholics Anonymous
Habit Smart, a comprehensive web site with information on all aspects of alcoholism, including therapy.
Another Empty Bottle, for alcoholics and their families.
Al-Anon Alateen
Web site on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a serious consequence of drinking during pregnancy.

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03