Alcohol is considered a psychotropic drug, and a central nervous system depressant. It is the number one substance abuse problem in the United States. There are approximately over 100,000 deaths a year due to alcohol addiction.
Alcohol works as a quick-acting depressant. Eerily, it is similar to ether in pharmacology. An individual’s body reacts to the alcohol in such ways as: sedation, excitement, and eventual anesthesia. Extensive amounts of alcohol can eventual cerebral edema (fluid on the brain), and depressed respiration.
Alcohol is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract directly into the bloodstream. It decreases the individual’s judgment, their memory, and other intellectual and emotional functions.
Continued alcohol use will eventually affect almost all of the body’s organs. It can eventually lead to liver damage and pancreatitis. It can also lead to memory loss, and mental deterioration.
Some of the treatments that are considered once it is determined that the individual has an alcohol problem, can be anything from one on one therapy to inpatient rehabilitation. It truly is a case-by-case depending on each individual. Another treatment used, under a physicians care, is daily use of naltrexone also known as ReVia. Physicians will use this along with counseling to keep alcoholics sober after detoxification.
Naltrexone functions by blocking the pleasure sensations associated with alcohol. This is in hopes it will decrease their craving for the alcohol. This, unfortunately, is not a magic elixir. The individual will have to want to stay clean and sober, and follow after- care instructions given by the rehab center or the physician.