Abstract

A COMPLETE REVIEW ON ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

K. Srikanth, N. Deepika*, A.V.S.S.S. Gupta and Dr. J.V.C. Sharma

Abstract

To provide a revised and updated analysis of current and potential pharmacotherapeutic options for the management of alcohol dependence. The development of alcohol dependence is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. New avenues for rational drug treatment have arisen from better understanding of the neurobiological substrates of alcohol dependence, including adaptive changes in amino acid neurotransmitter systems, stimulation of dopamine and opioid peptide systems, and, possibly, changes in serotonergic activity. For the majority of affected people the most appropriate goal, in terms of drinking behaviour, is abstinence from alcohol. Psychosocial intervention is the mainstay of the treatment but adjuvant pharmacotherapy is also available and its use recommended. Over the last 20 years, the role of adjuvant pharmacotherapy in optimising outcome in rehabilitation programmes for alcohol-dependent patients has become increasingly evident In addition, effects of acohol, diagnosis and complications, factors predictive of therapeutic outcome, including alternative medicine and the current barriers to treatment, including life styles and home remedies will be explored.

Keywords: Alcohol dependence, Diagnosis, Treatment, Life style & Home remedies, Alternative medicine.