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==Alcohol withdrawal==
==Alcohol withdrawal==
As noted above, alcohol withdrawal is a primary feature of alcoholism. Withdrawal can occur when a person who is normally a heavy drinker tries to quit or is unable to obtain alcohol. Unlike withdrawal from other drugs, alcohol withdrawal can lead directly to death. Heavy drinking reduces the brain's supply of [[GABA]]. Both alcohol and GABA limit the firing of [[synapse]]s in the brain. When neither is present in sufficient amounts, uncontrolled firing of synapses may occur, causing [[delirium tremens]] ("the DTs"). Symptoms of delirium tremens include hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, and heart failure. Delirium tremens can be controlled fairly easily with medical supervision, often with the use of [[benzodiazepine]]s.
As noted above, alcohol withdrawal is a primary feature of alcoholism. Withdrawal can occur when a person who is normally a heavy drinker tries to quit or is unable to obtain alcohol. Unlike withdrawal from other drugs, alcohol withdrawal can lead directly to death. Heavy drinking reduces the brain's supply of [[GABA]]. Both alcohol and GABA limit the firing of [[synapse]]s in the brain. When neither is present in sufficient amounts, uncontrolled firing of synapses may occur, causing [[delirium tremens]] ("the DTs"). Symptoms of delirium tremens include hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, and heart failure. Delirium tremens can be controlled fairly easily with medical supervision, often with the use of [[benzodiazepine]]s.
==Treatment==
A number of treatments are available for alcoholism, including detoxification, [[psychotherapy]], self-help groups, and medications.
'''Detoxification'' is an abrupt cessation of drinking, often accompanied by medications such as [[benzodiazepine]]s to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification helps a person to cope with the physiological effects of chronic heavy drinking, but does not help with issues such as urges to drink or underlying reasons for alcohol dependence. Consequently, additional treatment is usually required for a successful outcome.
'''Psychotherapy''' for alcohol dependence can occur in individual or group format. This treatment helps an individual to be aware of underlying issues that may have led or contributed to alcoholism (e.g., depression). Psychotherapy also provides an individual with skills to help prevent relapse, such as avoiding situations in which not drinking would be difficult.
'''Self-help groups''' are commonly used by those suffering from alcoholism. The best known is [[Alcoholics Anonymous]], in which members acknowledge their problems with alcohol and provide support for other members.
'''Medications''' are often used to discourage alcohol use. ''Antabuse'' (disulfiram) interrupts the metabolization of alcohol, increasing the amount of acetaldehyde in the body and leading to substantial hangover symptoms shortly after drinking and discouraging those who have taken the medication from drinking. ''Naltrexone'' is a medication that binds to opioid receptors in the brain, decreasing alcohol cravings and promoting abstinence.
==References==
==References==
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