[Intermittent alcoholic behavior].

Abstract

Intermittent alcohol disorders are defined by the paroxystic aspect of alcohol consumption followed by periods of time without alcohol ingestion. The most typical form of intermittent alcoholism is dispomania. During the acute episode of dipsomania, the patient presents an extreme craving for alcohol and a complete loss of control. The alcohol consumption usually leads to severe overdoses and coma. The cases of pure dipsomania are relatively rare in daily practice. Most often, intermittent forms of alcohol abuse or dependence are observed in patients who present, between the acute ingestions of alcohol, a chronic consumption. Intermittent ingestions of alcohol can also be present among subjects presenting a pathological personality (antisocial personality) and a past or present dependence syndrome to heroine. These patients use alcohol like a drug in order to get a modification of the conscience, a high, a sedation or a trip.