Introduction/Objectives:
The lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence as well as co-morbidity with somatic disorders is high. To assess the prevalence of alcoholism and somatic codisorders.
Participants, Materials/Methods:
The sample was 60 patients [4 females, mean (± SD) age: 43.7 ± 10.3 years, and 56 males; mean age: 42.4 ± 10.5 years, range: 20–75] who were consecutive admissions to a ward of a university hospital specialized for the detoxification of alcoholics. The alcohol history was assessed through a structured questionnaire. Reliable data on the history of medical disorders (liver diseases, pancreatitis, gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, pneumonia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or brain trauma) were available for 43 patients.
Results:
Of the study 71.7% had current somatic problems or disorders. The most often are gastrointestinal disease pathology consisted of cardio-vascular diseases (stage II-III hypertension, ischemic heart disease, autonomic vascular dystonia), more cerebral degeneration, liver disease or alcoholic polyneuropathies. In our sample 36.7% are divorced; and 40% have heredity.
Conclusions:
Alcoholism is a major contributor to the physical ill-health. Treatment or rehabilitation of addictive behavior should be of major concern for adequate service planning or provision.
