In-depth analysis of warning signs and multiple organ dysfunction associated with alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is difficult to define, but most experts agree on one definition: it is a treatable condition characterized by impaired health, work, and relationships, as well as loss of drinking control. This definition does not include the amount or frequency of consumption. While early-stage alcohol poisoning may allow one to tolerate large amounts of alcohol without becoming intoxicated, many late-stage alcoholics have a much lower tolerance than non-alcoholics. Early warning signs of alcohol poisoning include: regular drinking to relieve stress; focusing intently on alcohol; going to work drunk; discomfort when alcohol is unavailable; drunk driving; and drinking to escape loneliness, feelings of failure, or problems with work, marriage, or money. Later, alcohol poisoning can develop into temporary dizziness or amnesia while sober, binge drinking and sneaky drinking, and chronic hangovers. Symptoms include: concocting excuses for drinking, drinking in the morning to alleviate worsening hangovers, drinking alone, guilt, remorse, depression, antisocial behavior, and loss of job or friends. Drinkers may seek help in this regard, but few benefit in the long run because they refuse to accept most of the problems. Late-stage alcoholism requires the user to drink regardless of their capacity or when they wish to. Symptoms include: drinking to relieve drinking-related problems, binge drinking, tremors or "shivering," desperately maintaining an alcohol supply, hostility towards others, and unexplained fear and anxiety. Dr. John Ivan of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine developed a simple test (CAGE questions) to help doctors identify: Have you ever felt you should reduce your drinking? Does criticism of your drinking annoy you? Have you ever felt guilty about drinking? Do you drink in the morning as the first thing you do to calm your emotions? If you answer "yes" to two of these questions, it indicates a drinking problem, and almost all those who admit to it drink excessively. Alcoholism can damage virtually every organ in the body and is linked to at least six of the ten leading causes of death in men. There are over one hundred health problems caused by alcohol. The digestive system is often the first to be damaged by excessive drinking. Damage can take the form of gastritis, pancreatitis, or hepatitis. The latter can lead to cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol consumption can severely damage the heart, and excessive drinking is also linked to high blood pressure. Excessive drinkers are three times more likely to suffer a hemorrhagic stroke than non-drinkers. Alcoholics are more prone to oral, tongue, pharyngeal, esophageal, and stomach cancers than non-drinkers. Alcohol is also a catalyst for violence. In all adult Americans involved in car accidents, suicides, homicides, deaths from fires and falls, spousal and child abuse, one-third to one-half had been drinking at the time of the incident. At least half of alcoholics suffer from impotence and decreased sexual function. Recent research suggests that the feminizing characteristics unique to alcohol-induced cirrhosis (loss of facial hair and breast enlargement) may be caused by estrogen in alcohol. Drinking one pint of spirits daily for 5–8 years can lead to complete loss of sexual function. Moreover, loss of sexual function and infertility can occur at a younger age. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to the loss of brain nerve cells and damage brain function: forgetfulness, confusion, inattention or hallucinations, difficulty speaking, and reduced coordination. Approximately 10% of alcoholics suffer from chronic brain damage syndrome, which is usually irreversible. Alcohol poisoning can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, skeletal muscle damage, internal bleeding, gout, osteoporosis, insomnia, and increased susceptibility to infections. The combined use of alcohol and tranquilizers is a leading cause of drug-related emergencies and death. However, most damage, even to the brain, can be prevented or reversed if alcohol is abstained from and medically related problems such as malnutrition are corrected.