Etiology and Clinical Charateristics of Alcohol Use Disorder.

Seo,  Jeong Seokg

doi:2012.13.2.76

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 13(2); 2012 > Article

Focused Issue

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2012;13(2):76-80.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2012.13.2.76 Published online June 30, 2012.

알코올 사용장애의 원인과 임상양상

서정석

Etiology and Clinical Charateristics of Alcohol Use Disorder.

Jeong Seokg Seo

Department of Psychiatry, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chung-ju, Korea. sjs1192@paran.com

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) includes alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Since AUD is considered a bio-psycho-social disease, the etiology is multifactorial, including biological, psychological and social variables. Neurobiologically, addiction is related to the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens, known as the "pleasure center," and an imbalance of various neurotransmitters such as dopamine, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), and glutamate. Psychologically, chronic drinking is used as a means of self-medication for reducing tension and stress and overcoming anxiety and depression. Socially, the rate of alcoholism depends on the culture and social attitude toward drinking behaviors. Social learning and conditioning are the social causes of AUD. Common clinical features of AUD include physiological changes such as tolerance and withdrawal, and occupational and social dysfunction. AUD is also closely associated with physical illness, such as alcoholic liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the etiology and clinical features of AUD is the first step to managing patients with alcohol problems. Physicians should consider alcohol abuse as a serious alcohol-related disorder that impairs familial, social, and occupational functions as much as alcohol dependence.

Key Words: Alcohol use disorder, Abuse, Dependenece, Etiology, Chracteristics