Alcoholism
Synonyms
Alcohol abuse; Alcohol dependency
Definition
Alcohol abuse and dependency are commonly called
alcoholism. Alcohol intoxication can cause irritability,
violent behavior, feelings of depression, and in rare
instances hallucinations and delusions. Longer-term,
escalating levels of alcohol consumption can produce
tolerance as well as such intense adaptation of the body
that cessation of use can precipitate a withdrawal syndrome
usually marked by insomnia, evidence of hyperactivity
of the autonomic nervous system, and feelings
of anxiety.

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