Category: Ah-Al

Alcoholism is the physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use would bring on withdrawal symptoms. In popular and therapeutic parlance, the term may also be used to refer to ingrained drinking habits that cause health or social problems. Treatment requires first ending the physical dependence and then making lifestyle changes that help the individual…

A free self-help organization founded to assist people addicted to alcohol in breaking old behavior patterns and gaining support for consistently living a sober lifestyle.

Disease of the heart muscle caused by damage from excess alcohol consumption and the toxic effects of alcohol on the heart muscle. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy, like other types of cardiomyopathy, can lead to heart failure.

A condition in which a toxic amount of alcohol has been consumed, usually in a short period of time. The affected individual may become extremely disoriented, unresponsive, or unconscious, with shallow breathing. Because alcohol poisoning can be deadly, emergency treatment is necessary.

One of the National Institutes of Health, NIAAA’s mission is to “conduct research focused on improving the treatment and prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems to reduce the enormous health, social, and economic consequences of this disease.”

Use of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions (binge drinking) or as a regular practice. For some individuals, children or pregnant women, for example, almost any amount of alcohol use may be legally considered ‘alcohol abuse.’ Heavy alcohol abuse can cause physical damage and death.

An organic substance formed when a hydroxyl group is substituted for a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon. The type of alcohol used in alcoholic beverages, ethanol, derives from fermenting sugar with yeast. After alcohol is ingested, the body converts it to sugar-based fuel. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, and it may be part of solutions used…

A receptor expressed on T cells which is involved in the adhesion of cells. ALCAM stands for activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule. The gene encoding ALCAM is on chromosome 3 in region 3q13.1-q13.2. The ALCAM gene has been reported to be less active in breast tumors with a poor prognosis.

More than the normal amount of albumin in the urine. Albuminuria can be a sign that protein is leaking through the kidney, most often through the glomeruli, or a sign of significant kidney disease. It may also be the harmless result of vigorous exercise. Also known as proteinuria.

The main protein in human blood and the key to regulating the osmotic pressure of blood. Chemically, albumin is soluble in water, precipitated by acid, and coagulated by heat.