CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Chronic alcoholism refers to a long-term and compulsive dependence on alcohol, often resulting in physical and psychological deterioration. It is a severe form of alcohol use disorder characterized by the persistence of alcohol consumption despite negative consequences on various aspects of an individual's life, such as health, relationships, work, and overall well-being.
This condition involves a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that is difficult to control or stop, and it often leads to adverse effects on the body and mind. Chronic alcoholism can result in several health problems, including liver damage, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, cardiovascular issues, certain types of cancer, malnutrition, and neurological impairments.
Psychologically, chronic alcoholism can manifest as tolerance, where larger amounts of alcohol are needed to achieve the desired effect, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is reduced or stopped abruptly. Individuals with chronic alcoholism may experience frequent cravings for alcohol and continue to drink despite suffering from physical and mental health complications.
Treatment for chronic alcoholism often involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social support. Interventions may include detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms, counseling or therapy to address underlying psychological issues or triggers of alcohol use, medications to decrease cravings or manage associated health conditions, and support groups to promote long-term sobriety.
Overall, chronic alcoholism is a chronic and progressive condition that can significantly impact an individual's physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
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A pathological condition, affecting chiefly the nervous and gastroenteric systems, caused by the habitual use of alcoholic beverages in poisonous amount.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM
- xhronic alcoholism
- vhronic alcoholism
- fhronic alcoholism
- dhronic alcoholism
- cgronic alcoholism
- cbronic alcoholism
- cnronic alcoholism
- cjronic alcoholism
- curonic alcoholism
- cyronic alcoholism
- cheonic alcoholism
- chdonic alcoholism
- chfonic alcoholism
- chtonic alcoholism
- ch5onic alcoholism
- ch4onic alcoholism
- chrinic alcoholism
- chrknic alcoholism
- chrlnic alcoholism
- chrpnic alcoholism
Etymology of CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM
The term "chronic alcoholism" consists of two words.
1. "Chronic" originates from the Latin word "chronicus", which traces back to the Greek word "khronikos", meaning "of time" or "belonging to time". The Greek word is derived from "khronos", meaning "time". Over time, "chronic" has come to refer to a condition or illness that persists or develops gradually over a long duration.
2. "Alcoholism" is a compound word formed by combining "alcohol" with the suffix "-ism". "Alcohol" comes from the Arabic al-kuḥūl, which refers to a powdered antimony used as eyeliner. It was borrowed from Arabic into Medieval Latin as "alcohol" and eventually developed its modern meaning as a chemical term for a specific class of organic compounds.
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