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Alcoholism is a complex disease with physical, social and psychological consequences - not only for alcoholics but also for people closest to them. That translates to nearly 8 million alcoholics in the United States; as many as 1.5 million of them seek treatment each year. Type II alcoholics tend to exhibit antisocial, aggressive behavior. In most cases an illness or ultimatum from the spouse or other family member, boss, doctor, or judge is the driving force.
Those who have significant problems controlling their drinking and functioning in social situations because of alcohol may be considered alcoholics without the physical signs, tolerance and withdrawal. Dosages are based on the severity of patients' symptoms. The activities aim to educate patients about alcoholism, help them recognize that they have the disease, and help them adjust to a life without alcohol. Antabuse (disulfiram), when combined with even small amounts of alcohol causes unpleasant effects such as facial flushing, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Studies show the drug is nonaddictive.
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