There can be serious medical consequences from alcohol dependency. Cirrhosis of the liver is a well known consequence, but others include heart disease, or conditions of the pancreas or digestive system.



Alcohol dependency, or alcoholism, is considered to be a disease, since it has a cause and is treatable. Left untreated however, it can be deadly. In most cases, a person suffering from alcohol dependency cannot simply "cut back" on the amount of alcohol consumption--the only long-term solution is complete abstinence from alcohol. Most recovery specialists cite three stages to overcoming alcohol dependency, starting with detoxification. Stopping drinking may result in some nasty side effects, and the detox process helps the person get through these side effects and move on to the next step. In some cases, the detox process takes place in a hospital or clinic.

The next step, abstinence, is a lifelong process, and often requires the help of a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar organization. Along with abstinence, rehabilitation helps the person suffering from alcohol dependency look into the deeper issues such as why the destructive drinking behavior started in the first place, and helps them to find more constructive ways to spend their time.

In general, more than three drinks a day for men or two drinks a day for women is considered excessive, although this too will vary depending on each individual's physical condition--for some, three drinks a day would be far too much. There are many valid studies that indicate that moderate drinking has some health benefits, although people suffering from alcohol dependency seldom are capable of becoming moderate drinkers. The only solution for these people is total abstinence.

In some cases, a doctor pay prescribe drugs such as disulfiram, which causes a negative, immediate physical reaction when any alcohol is consumed. Recovering patients may also require treatment with antidepressants.