The term "alcoholism", still lacking a universally accepted definition, lends itself to different interpretations based on the context in which it is used. If in the social sphere it is customary to consider anyone who drinks excessively alcoholic, enclosing a derogatory note in the term, in the clinical setting the concepts of abuse and alcohol dependence are the key elements of alcohol addiction syndrome, undoubtedly a more "delicate" and scientifically correct term.
Beyond the understandable difficulties in finding a univocal definition, recognizing the symptoms of alcoholism is very important not only for the health care personnel, but also and above all for the subject himself and his family. Recognizing the symptoms of alcoholism in the bud can in fact help to tackle the problem in the right direction, preserving one's health and that of the people we care about.
In an early phase, more than the clinical signs and symptoms of alcoholism, the spies of the problem must be sought, such as the loss of communication skills in interpersonal relationships, the loss of interest in hobbies and passions, frequent fits of anger, delays and absences at work, dangerous driving, the "amplification of family conflicts, the difficulty in" breaking away from the bottle ", the strong need or compulsive pursuit of alcohol and social isolation. In this regard, there are specific questionnaires that present an excellent ability to identify people at risk of alcoholism from the early stages of this disorder or disease (in relation to the chosen school of thought). Other onset symptoms of alcoholism include gastritis, abdominal pain, morning vomiting and liver enlargement. In general, however, the prodromes of alcoholism are characterized by subjective symptoms, such as the perception that something is wrong with the relationship with alcohol and the awareness or fear of negative consequences ( family and social) alcohol-related. When the symptoms of alcoholism become objective, therefore uniquely identifiable by the doctor, the diagnostic phase of complications (physical, psychological and relational) has already been passed.
In addition to looking for the specific signs and symptoms of the disease, the diagnosis of alcoholism can make use of laboratory tests, such as:
- the dosage of alcohol (amount of alcohol in the blood, suggestive of alcoholism if high without symptoms of drunkenness, because it indicates a tolerance to alcohol developed for the heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages)
- the dosage of GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl-Transpeptidase, generally increased in alcoholics, indicating hepatic distress)
- the measure of the mean Globular volume (often increased in alcoholics).
- Another marker with good sensitivity and specificity is carbohydrate-free transferrin (CDT), whose serum levels tend to increase in the presence of alcoholism.
In the presence of chronic alcoholism the symptoms are rather suggestive and involve the gastrointestinal sphere (alcoholic fatty liver disease, jaundice, cirrhosis, gastritis, esophagitis, pancreatitis, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency), neurological (peripheral neuropathies, memory deficit, head trauma) and psychological (depression, emotional lability).
Online questionnaire to assess the risk of alcoholism
L "AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is an easy questionnaire made up of TEN questions, the first THREE of which are sufficient to define whether the person has a suggestive condition for drinking at risk.
1. How often do you consume alcohol-containing drinks?
Never
Once a month or less
2 to 4 times a month
2 to 3 times a week
4 or more times a week
2. On the days you drink, how many alcoholic beverages do you consume on average?
1 or 2
3 or 4
5 or 6
7 or 8
10 or more
3. How often do you consume six or more drinks on a single occasion?
Never
Less than Once a month
Once a month
Once a week
Every day or almost
4. How often over the past year did you find that you couldn't stop drinking once you started?
Never
Less than Once a month
Once a month
Once a week
Every day or almost
5. How often over the past year have you been unable to do what is normally expected of you due to drinking?
Never
Less than Once a month
Once a month
Once a week
Every day or almost
6. How often over the past year have you needed to drink early in the morning to cheer you up after heavy drinking?
Never
Less than Once a month
Once a month
Once a week
Every day or almost
7. How often over the past year have you experienced guilt or remorse after drinking?
Never
Less than Once a month
Once a month
Once a week
Every day or almost
8. How often over the past year have you been unable to remember what had happened the previous evening because you had been drinking?
Never
Less than Once a month
Once a month
Once a week
Every day or almost
9. Have you been injured or hurt someone as a result of drinking?
No
Yes, but not in the last year
Yes, in the last year
10. Did a relative, friend, doctor or other health care professional care for your drinking or suggested that you stop?
No
Yes, but not in the last year
Yes, in the last year
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