Children of alcoholics may also experience long-term psychological and emotional problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. By addressing the root causes of alcoholism and providing effective treatment options, we can work towards reducing the negative impact of alcoholism on individuals and society. These medications, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, can drug addiction help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Other medications, such as disulfiram, cause unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed, which can help deter people from drinking.
- With alcoholism, the brain’s neurotransmitters affecting stimulation and pleasure are dysfunctional.
- Alcoholism is a complex disease with psychological, biological, and social components, and like other chronic illnesses, it often involves cycles of relapse and remission.
- Alcohol interferes with how nerve cells send, receive, and process information.
- Just because someone’s disease got better with or without intervention doesn’t mean they don’t still live with the condition.
- After overcoming her own struggles with addiction, she began working in the treatment field in 2012.
Why Is Alcoholism Considered A Chronic Disease?
Despite this broad consensus, some debate remains, with critics arguing that alcoholism is a choice or a moral deficiency rather than a disease. However, scientific research has revealed the complex nature of addiction, influenced by factors such as genetics, family history, and environment. The disease theory of alcoholism proposes that those affected are unable to return to ‘normal’ drinking and should aim for total abstinence. While this theory has been challenged, the concept of alcoholism as a disease has gained traction, with organizations like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) advocating for this perspective.
Different Ways to Get Involved and Build Up Your Community During Recovery
- This phase then is followed by a continuing-care component that frequently is provided at the same facility and uses the same strategies as the initial intensive intervention, just at a lower frequency and intensity.
- The reason is because they suffer from a chronic disease that can’t be cured.
- Alcoholism is more commonly known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcohol addiction.
Alcohol affects the neurotransmitters that control our emotions, thoughts, and behavior, leading to changes in https://cardiotac.co/the-culture-and-consequences-of-after-work-2/ mood, cognition, and decision-making. Medications can make detoxification safe while avoiding the worst symptoms of withdrawal. And medications and behavioral therapies can help people with AUD reduce alcohol intake or abstain from alcohol altogether.
Substance Abuse in Atlanta, Georgia: What You Need to Know
Alcoholism can have significant effects on the brain, including changes in brain structure and function. Chronic alcohol use can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and other neurological issues. Chronic diseases are those that last for a long time and often do not have a cure. They are typically characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation, and they can lead to significant disability why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease and reduced quality of life. People who have AUD may continue to use alcohol even though they know it is causing social, health, economic, and possibly even legal problems in their life. In 2019, an estimated 14.5 million people in the United States had an AUD.
Finding Help for Alcohol Abuse
“The AMA endorses the proposition that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases and that their treatment is a legitimate part of medical practice.” Embracing these practices can lead to a more centered and balanced lifestyle, which is crucial for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. While not a substitute for traditional treatment methods, they provide valuable support and can be integrated into a comprehensive recovery plan.
