• Partial genetic Predisposition -- higher rate in twins and adopted children with alcoholic birth parents
• Abnormalities in the brain neurotransmitters or chemical enzymes may play a role.
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addictive personality

• Alcohol on breath
• Red bulbous nose
• Red Eyes
• Memory difficulties
• Signs of alcoholic liver disease:
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Ascites (swollen abdomen)
• Palmar erythema (pink/red hands)
• Tremor
• Laboratory tests:

1. Elevated liver function tests, especially AST twice ALT value
2. Elevated mean corpuscular volume
3. Elevated Uric acid
4. Elevated triglycerides
5. Toxicology screen (ethanol level)

• Psychological screening tests such as Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), or Short MAST are sometimes used.

• Alcohol recovery programs
• Alcoholics anonymous
• Religious/spiritual support
• Treatment of Depression, if present:

1. Psychotherapy
2. Antidepressants

• Disulfiram (Antabuse) -- an aversion medication that causes nausea/vomiting if one drinks alcoholic beverages
• Naltrexone -- a medication that helps with alcohol craving
• Ondansetron -- a medication that helps with alcohol craving
• Treatment of alcohol withdrawal if it occurs
• Treating Depression and social problems
• Treatment goal

- Complete Abstinence (and not "controlled drinking")

• Social Implications of Alcoholism