In this video we will cover alcoholism, some tips and tricks for dealing with it and lastly we will highlight some common treatment options. So make sure to watch the whole video so you won’t miss any valuable information.

This video is part of a videoseries on mental health problems. Find the playlists here:
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What is alcoholism?
A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment and/or distress. In addition at least 2 of the following symptoms should occur in the same 12-month period:
- The Alcohol consumption is often larger than intended.
- Previous efforts to cut down alcohol use where unsuccessful.
- A huge part of the day is devoted on obtaining alcohol, using alcohol or recovering from a hangover.
- There is a strong desire to use alcohol.
- The alcohol usage results in failure to fulfill obligations at work, school or home.
- Important social/occupational or recreational activities are missed because of alcohol use.
- Alcohol is even used in situations which may physically be dangerous (like drunk driving).

The symptoms and risks:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0,03-0,12%: may improve mood, increase self-confidence, decrease anxiety and possible leads to euphoria.
- BAC of 0,09-0,25%: may cause fatigue, sedation, blurred vision and balance problems.
- BAC of 0,18-0,30%: may cause confusion, impaired speech, dizziness and vomiting.
- If someone keeps on drinking at these levels, it may soon lead to unconsciousness, amnesia, respiratory depression and ultimately a fatal alcohol poisoning.

Longterm risks:
It may cause an increased tolerance to alcohol, an increase dependence on alcohol, it may increase your risk for a heart disease, abdominal diseases, neurological diseases, mental health disorders and it may increase your risk on multiple forms of cancer.

Prevalence:
About 5.1% of the worldwide population over the age of 15 deals with alcoholism. Which causes about 95,000 deaths in the United States alone each year.

Treatment plan:
- Visit your doctor for a medical examination.
- Personally you could also try some of these tips and tricks:
- Take some time to reflect on your alcohol usage. Try to find out how much you are actually drinking and why you are doing it.
- Try to talk about it. Let your friends and family know you are trying to stop drinking. They might help and motivate you.
- You could get rid of all your alcohol and change your typical routines.
- lastly take good care for yourself, as quitting alcohol can be challenging. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, maintain a structured sleeping schedule, eat enough vegetables and vitamines, drink about 2L of water each day and try to exercise regularly.

Quit drinking alcohol. This can be done alone at home, but is usually done in a detox clinic. During the detox patients might be prescribed benzodiazepines, which have a dazing effect or they might be prescribed Disulfiram. This drug blocks an enzyme that is involved in metabolizing alcohol, causing severe side effects like nausea and puking when combined with alcohol. But drugs are meant to prevent a relapse.

After a patient managed to quit alcohol psychotherapy is usually started. This can be follow individually or in a group-setting. In psychotherapy the underlying psychological problems which contribute to alcoholism are address, with the aim to overcome this. In addition you therapist can provide you with skills to prevent a future relapse.
- Effective treatment forms are: CBBT, DBT, motivational interviewing and mindfulness.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Raypole C. Biggers A. (2020). Thinking of Ditching Alcohol? How to Make a Plan That Works for You. Healthline.
2: CDC. (2020). Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use. CDC.
3: Waren T. Et al. (2020). Alcoholism Clinical Presentation. Medscape.
4: Murray K. (2021). Types of Therapy for Alcoholism. Alcohol Rehab Guide.
5: Wikipedia. (2021). Alcoholism.

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Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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