Alcohol Dependence/Alcoholism
Condition
In Ireland 3.8% of the population has a problem with alcohol according to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO, 2015). In Ireland, alcohol dependence tends to be higher in males than females across the age brackets however the gender gap in terms of alcohol consumption is getting smaller.
An individual who has an alcohol dependence would strongly crave for alcohol.
The HSE has a National Helpline (800 459 459) and it also offers email support (helpline@hse.ie)
Because alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol itself, withdrawing from it causes symptoms of withdrawal which can be dangerous in themselves, potentially causing seizures.
The adverse health consequences of drinking large amounts of alcohol on a daily basis can include damage to the liver, developing heart disease, getting a stroke or an increase in blood pressure. Not only this but alcoholism can also lead to ill mental health due to its depressant nature and interreference with neurotransmitters in the brain. It also has an impact on work performance and social relationships with others with resultant knock on effects on family and friends.