Drinking Alcohol Can Cause Mental Illness
Drinking Alcohol Can Cause Mental Illness
Yesterday, Director Cao Dazhuo of the Office at the City Anning Hospital stated that due to the increasing number of people drinking and the rising frequency of alcohol consumption in recent years, the number of patients with alcohol dependence has significantly increased. Currently, every ward in the hospital is occupied by patients suffering from mental disorders caused by alcohol dependence, accounting for nearly 10% of all hospitalized patients.
According to Director Cao, alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and substance abuse can lead to mental disorders. In recent years, the number of alcohol-dependent patients at the city’s Anning Hospital has shown a yearly upward trend. "Alcohol dependence" has now been officially classified as a major category of mental illness. Excessive drinking leads to psychological and physical dependence on alcohol, causing personality changes and cognitive disturbances.
In recent years, with the increase in social activities, family gatherings, dining out, bar-hopping, and nightlife, along with improved living conditions, opportunities for individuals or families to drink have increased, leading to a surge in alcohol dependence cases in this city. Some people have lost their jobs, ruined their families, and even ended up in psychiatric hospitals due to excessive drinking. Currently, the number of psychiatric patients admitted to the city’s Anning Hospital due to alcohol dependence has reached 50 times that of ten years ago.
It is reported that the number of alcohol-dependent patients seen in general hospitals has doubled, exceeding the number treated in specialized psychiatric hospitals. In general hospitals, alcohol-dependent patients are typically treated for alcohol poisoning through gastric lavage; for those with severe psychiatric symptoms who cause disturbances, they are handed over to public security authorities for management.
Experts warn that alcohol dependence should not be ignored. Drinkers must maintain self-control to avoid harming both body and mind. If signs of alcohol dependence appear, it is best to seek treatment at a specialized psychiatric hospital to prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment. (Source: Sina News)