Alcoholization

Definition: (French: alcoolisation) The frequent drinking of substantial amounts of alcoholic beverages, so as to maintain a high blood alcohol level. Also, the process of increasing the frequency of alcohol consumption. The term can be applied either to the individual drinker or to a society as a whole. ” Alcoolisation” was originally used in the […]

Alcoholic Pancreatitis

Definition: A disorder characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the pancreas, often accompanied by fibrosis and malfunction, related to the consumption of hazardous levels of alcohol. Alcoholic pancreatitis may be acute or chronic. The acute form presents with upper abdominal pain, anorexia, and vomiting, and can be complicated by hypotension, renal failure, lung disease, and […]

Alcoholic Jealousy

A type of chronic, alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, characterised by delusions that the marital or sexual partner is unfaithful. The delusion is typically accompanied by intense searching for evidence of infidelity and direct accusations that may lead to violent quarrels. It was formerly regarded as a distinct diagnostic entity, but this status is now controversial. Synonyms: amorous […]

Alcoholic Hepatitis

Definition: A disorder of the liver characterized by liver ce1l necrosis and inflammation following chronic consumption of hazardous levels of alcohol. It is a well documented precursor of alcoholic cirrhosis, particularly in those whose alcohol intake remains high. Although the diagnosis is, strictly speaking, a histological one, it is often made on the basis of […]

Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Definition: Accumulation of fat in the liver following exposure to hazardous levels of alcohol intake, with consequent enlargement of liver cells and sometimes hepatomegaly, abnormal liver function, nonspecific abdominal recurrent pain, anorexia, and-less commonly-jaundice. Definitive diagnosis can be made only on histological examination of the liver, the pancreas (e.g. malabsorptiol Fatty liver may develop after […]

Alcoholic Dementia

Definition: A term of variable usage, most commonly implying a chronic or progressive disorder occurring as a result of harmful drinking, characterized by impairment of multiple higher cortical functions, including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement. Consciousness is not clouded. The cognitive impairments are commonly accompanied by deterioration in emotional control, […]

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

  A severe form of alcoholic liver disease, characterized by necrosis and permanent architectural distortion of the liver due to fibrous tissue formation and regeneratory nodules. This is a strictly histological definition, but diagnosis is often made on clinical grounds only. Alcoholic cirrhosis occurs mainly in the 40-60-year age group, after at least 10 years […]

Alcoholic Beverage

  Definition: Liquid that contains alcohol (ethanol) and is intended for drinking. Almost all alcoholic beverages are prepared by fermentation, followed-in the case of spirits-by distillation. Beer and ale are produced from fermented grain (malted barley. rice, millet. etc.) often with hops added. Wines are produced from fermented fruits or berries, particularly grapes. Other traditional fermentation […]

Alcohol Flush Reaction

  Definition: Flushing of the face, neck, and shoulders after the ingestion of alcohol, often accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and palpitations. The alcohol flush reaction is seen in approximately 50% of some Mongoloid (Asian) groups and is caused by an inherited deficiency of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase which catalyses the breakdown of acetaldehyde. The reaction […]

alcohol control

  Alcohol control refers to; (I) Most commonly, regulations restricting or otherwise controlling the production and sale of alcoholic beverages,often administered by specific government agencies (alcoholic beverage control. ABC). (2) In some scholarly discussions. the totality of government intervention in the alcoholic beverage market, without regard to purpose. (3) In general public health usage concerning […]