Alcoholism is a disease or a decision?
explanatory Essay
819 words
Alcoholism has affected many people and families in detrimental ways. In todays world alcoholism has become one of the most complex, and serious matter to handle. “The World Health Organization (WHO) says there are at least 140 million alcoholics in the world; unfortunately, the majority of them are not treated (Nordqvist, Christian).” Most depressed individuals usually indulge themselves in bars or clubs with alcohol to get away from their stressful issues. “One third of suicides are associated with alcohol misuse (Drinking Facts).” Numerous researchers are trying to figure out how to counteract alcoholism; unfortunately there still poses this big psychological question. Is alcoholism considered a disease or a choice? As we get closer towards the answer, eventually research will help explain and grasp the concepts of alcohol abuse, its dependency, and treatments.
In the oxford dictionary alcoholism is describe as “an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency (Definition of Alcoholism in English).” Well is an addiction a choice or disease? I consider alcoholism to be a disease, because of what happens on the biological level when an individual has an addiction. For example, many have heard by now that when you eat chocolate your brain release the same chemical (dopamine) you have during intercourse. Well, let’s say someone is addicted towards chocolate, I would argue that it’s not that they cannot easily choose to not just have chocolate, but maybe their brain is highly sensitive to the reaction of dopamine and their body just crave for it. Now pose the question, is that still considered a choice when your body biologically craves for that chemi...
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...ill be recovered from those suggestion and live a healthy lifestyle.
And so, while some may consider alcoholism a choice I would disagree to an extent, depending how you approach the addiction. First it might start off as a choice, but in the long run alcohol can become a controlling monster that can consume anyone. On the other hand, we have doctors and researcher who are looking for cures. Truly, alcoholism is a serious issue that should not be overlooked because it affects everyone.
Works Cited
"Definition of Alcoholism in English:." Alcoholism: Definition of Alcoholism in Oxford Dictionary (American English) (US). Oxford Dictionary, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2014.
"Drinking Facts." Drinking Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2014.
Nordqvist, Christian. "What Is An Alcoholic? What Is Alcoholism?." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 24 Apr. 2013. Web.
8 Mar. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alcoholism has affected many people and families in detrimental ways. the world health organization says there are at least 140 million alcoholics in the world; the majority of them are not treated.
- Explains that alcoholism is a disease because of what happens on the biological level when an individual has an addiction.
- Explains that specific genetic factors may make some people more likely to become addicted to alcohol, as well as other substances.
- Explains that excessive drinking can alter the levels of these brain chemicals, making the person's body crave alcohol to feel good and avoid feeling bad.
- Opines that alcoholism starts off as a choice, but then leads to biological and psychological disease (addiction). many alcoholics claim that they started from young and stupid choices.
- Explains how researchers can diagnose, and treat alcoholism, based on the dsm (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders).
- Opines that treatment for alcoholism is not scarce and recommends do-it-yourself methods, counseling, treating underlying problems, residential programs, drug that provokes a severe reaction to alcohol, drugs for cravings, and detoxification.
- Opines that alcoholism is a serious issue that should not be overlooked because it affects everyone.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that understanding addiction is a complicated subject that inspires controversy and debate. there are two theories that are on the opposite spectrum when it comes to addiction: the disease concept and the choice theory.
- Explains dr. nora volkow's article, "addiction" on "what is addiction," that the use of drugs activates the dopamine receptors in the brain.
- Argues that labeling addiction as a disease removes the stigma attached to addicts and alcoholics.
- Explains that the rational mind would look at addiction and conclude that every human being has self-will and can choose whether or not to continue to use and abuse drugs.
- Opines that defining addiction as a disease would rehabilitate the addict's public image from one of petty criminals to one who deserves treatment. the guilt of an addict understanding their problem will inevitably allow them to decide whether or not to receive help.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that there are many theories of alcoholism, and some approaches explain and treat certain alcoholics better than others. there is no "typical" addicted personality or emotional problem.
- Opines that the way we construe alcoholism determines how we diagnose, treat, and feel about it. it is important for us to know our own personal views toward drinking and addiction.
- Argues that instead of one "alcoholism," there are many theories and treatments. this is frightening to the new msw.
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- Opines that the traditional view that psychiatric disorders are unrelated to alcohol and other drug use problems has hampered effective treatment of patients who exhibit both types of disorders.
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- Opines that substance abuse must be addressed first. they also believe that due to their personal history, they are predisposed to assuming substances abuse issues; believing that they will find it.
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- Explains that the diagnosis of substance dependency-induced psychosis should be added to the dsm.
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- Explains that assessment can be one of the most difficult steps in the helping process, especially when addiction is the "hidden" problem.
- Opines that there is strong evidence to support psychiatric disorders developed as consequences of alcoholism and that alcohol in most patients is not secondary to other
- Opines that patients with dual disorders may be misdiagnosed and improperly treated, often falling through the cracks in the health care system.
1296 wordsRead More