The term “dipsomania” may not ring any bell into anyone’s ears, as it is a term that is specifically used by the experts, but the term “alcoholism” which replaced the initial term is more familiar to everyone. This replacement took place in 19th and early 20th century. Till then the medical practitioners used the first term to describe dependency and excessive use of alcohol. The term dipsomania was coined by a German physician Dr. C. W. Hufeland in the year 1819. Later the term "alcoholism" was first used in 1849 by the Swedish physician Magnus Huss to describe the systematic adverse effects of alcohol. One of the prominent definitions given for this term is by a doctor and addiction specialist Dr. William D. Silkworth M.D. where he writes on behalf of AA that "Alcoholics suffer from a "(physical) craving beyond mental control". The term alcoholism is used widely by the practitioners, but they all insist that this is not a disease, but a curable disorder. The WHO defines that alcoholism is a term that is long standing use and variable meaning.
Alcoholism is characterized by an increased tolerance of alcohol and physical dependence on alcohol, affecting an individual's ability to control alcohol consumption safely. These characteristics are believed to play a role in impeding an alcoholic's ability to stop drinking. Alcoholism can have adverse effects on mental health, causing psychiatric disorders to develop and an increased risk of suicide. (Source “Wikipedia”) Even though it is believed that moderate drinking can cause wonders to body like relaxing the body and mind after a stressful and hectic day. A shot of brandy can relieve from cold and give warmth to body on cold days. But anything in excessive order is bound to have its adverse effect on body. The overdose and excessive drinking can lead to lever damage and is accompanied with many other malfunctions and disorder effects. There are various alcohol treatment centers which offer medical support and behavioral counseling to overcome the alcohol addiction, for getting de-addicted from the drugs, there are rehab centers. Also there are web sites which guide people on consuming the alcohol properly in order to not become an alcoholic. These sites offer tips to curtail the intake of alcohol. According to them, one should sip slowly and chew some food items like nuts or chips which give a filling effect and leads to lesser intake of alcohol. One should never mix alcohol with the smoking as it increases alcohol absorption into body quickly.
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