Chronic alcoholism is a serious condition that affects many individuals globally. The spelling of the word "chronic alcoholism" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. /krɒnɪk/ represents the word "chronic" with a stress on the first syllable, indicating the long-term and persistent nature of the condition. /ˈælkəhɒlɪz(ə)m/ depicts the second part, "alcoholism," with a stress on the first syllable, highlighting the addiction to alcohol. Proper spelling is essential when discussing and addressing serious conditions like chronic alcoholism.
Chronic alcoholism refers to a long-term and compulsive dependence on alcohol, often resulting in physical and psychological deterioration. It is a severe form of alcohol use disorder characterized by the persistence of alcohol consumption despite negative consequences on various aspects of an individual's life, such as health, relationships, work, and overall well-being.
This condition involves a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that is difficult to control or stop, and it often leads to adverse effects on the body and mind. Chronic alcoholism can result in several health problems, including liver damage, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, cardiovascular issues, certain types of cancer, malnutrition, and neurological impairments.
Psychologically, chronic alcoholism can manifest as tolerance, where larger amounts of alcohol are needed to achieve the desired effect, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is reduced or stopped abruptly. Individuals with chronic alcoholism may experience frequent cravings for alcohol and continue to drink despite suffering from physical and mental health complications.
Treatment for chronic alcoholism often involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social support. Interventions may include detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms, counseling or therapy to address underlying psychological issues or triggers of alcohol use, medications to decrease cravings or manage associated health conditions, and support groups to promote long-term sobriety.
Overall, chronic alcoholism is a chronic and progressive condition that can significantly impact an individual's physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
A pathological condition, affecting chiefly the nervous and gastroenteric systems, caused by the habitual use of alcoholic beverages in poisonous amount.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "chronic alcoholism" consists of two words.
1. "Chronic" originates from the Latin word "chronicus", which traces back to the Greek word "khronikos", meaning "of time" or "belonging to time". The Greek word is derived from "khronos", meaning "time". Over time, "chronic" has come to refer to a condition or illness that persists or develops gradually over a long duration.
2. "Alcoholism" is a compound word formed by combining "alcohol" with the suffix "-ism". "Alcohol" comes from the Arabic al-kuḥūl, which refers to a powdered antimony used as eyeliner. It was borrowed from Arabic into Medieval Latin as "alcohol" and eventually developed its modern meaning as a chemical term for a specific class of organic compounds.