Alcohol Abuse: The Hidden Dangers and Importance of Seeking Professional Help

A 43-year-old man was rushed to the emergency room with severe symptoms of delirium, hallucinations, and seizures. After a thorough examination, Doctor Trinh Thi Viet Ha, Deputy Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at Lang Son Provincial General Hospital, diagnosed the patient with a mental disorder due to alcohol addiction.

The patient’s family reported that he had been an alcoholic for over a decade and had been hospitalized twice before for mental disorders. However, he continued to drink heavily despite these incidents, leading to a deterioration in his health and mood. This time, he was admitted to the emergency room for the third time due to his severe symptoms.

Doctor Ha explained that the hospital had seen nearly 100 cases of similar mental disorders caused by alcohol abuse in the first three months of the year. Symptoms included delirium, irritability, and an inability to control emotions. She also emphasized that alcohol is a significant contributor to various health issues globally and ranks as the third leading cause of premature death and disability by the World Health Organization.

Alcohol affects all parts of the body, particularly the brain and central nervous system. Alcohol-induced mental disorders are a result of long-term abuse that can cause direct damage to these areas of the brain and internal organs. Treating these disorders can be challenging due to their complexity. Doctors must closely monitor patients’ progress while providing mental encouragement and support. However, many patients relapse after treatment despite following doctors’ treatment plans. Therefore, it is crucial for patients’ determination to quit drinking entirely and receive family support during this process.

If someone exhibits signs of a mental disorder due to alcohol addiction, it is essential not to attempt self-treatment at home but instead seek medical help promptly from healthcare professionals like Doctor Ha.

Guidelines for safe alcohol consumption include not exceeding two units per day for men and one unit per day for women with no more than five days of drinking per week.

Men should not consume more than certain quantities of beer (24 ounces), wine (6 glasses), or other alcoholic beverages (two shots) daily.

Women should consume half as much as men do:

Beer: 12 ounces per day

Wine: 3 glasses per day

Other alcoholic beverages: One shot per day