Author Question: What is alcoholism? What will be an ideal response?[br][br][b][color=#FBB117]Question ... (Read 82 times)

viki

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 525
What is alcoholism?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is a primary reason for the brain damage that is sometimes associated with alcoholism?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



coreycathey

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 333
Answer to Question 1

It is a form of drug/substance dependence characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, use of alcohol despite numerous adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. Marked tolerance to many of the psychological effects of alcohol is typical and physical dependence may be present.

Answer to Question 2

Primarily due to the poor nutritional practices of alcoholics and the fact that alcohol has considerable calorie content but no other nutrients, alcohol abusers don't take in sufficient vitamins, minerals and proteins. Alcohol may also interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins. Thiamine deficiency is a primary cause of neuronal damage. It is likely that the damage is due to a variety of factors, e.g., synergistic effects of ethanol, acetaldehyde (the first metabolite of ethanol), thiamine deficiency, liver disease, and excessive NMDA receptor activity (which can be excitotoxic) during alcohol withdrawal.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

The lipid bilayer is made of phospholipids. They are arranged in a double layer because one of their ends is attracted to water while the other is repelled by water.

Did you know?

All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked once every 5 years. During 2009–2010, 69.4% of Americans age 20 and older reported having their cholesterol checked within the last five years.

Did you know?

As many as 28% of hospitalized patients requiring mechanical ventilators to help them breathe (for more than 48 hours) will develop ventilator-associated pneumonia. Current therapy involves intravenous antibiotics, but new antibiotics that can be inhaled (and more directly treat the infection) are being developed.

Did you know?

You should not take more than 1,000 mg of vitamin E per day. Doses above this amount increase the risk of bleeding problems that can lead to a stroke.

Did you know?

Women are two-thirds more likely than men to develop irritable bowel syndrome. This may be attributable to hormonal changes related to their menstrual cycles.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library