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Thesis on addiction as a disease
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Alcoholism is a chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. The disease is often progressive and fatal if left untreated. It is characterized by impaired control over alcohol use despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking.
There are critics who disagree with calling Alcoholism a disease despite the definition on the word disease which means an involuntary disability but the fact that alcoholism is a disease is widely accepted within the medical and scientific communities.
Alcoholism is a disease of the brain which acts as a depressant on the central nervous system which causes dependence and the need for higher quantities of alcohol to achieve intoxication. In a review in 2001, a compared diagnosis was made between drug dependencies vs. type II diabetes and asthma. They found that genetic heritability, personal choice, and environmental factors.
The risk of developing alcoholism depends on many factors, including genetics and the environment. Those with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop it themselves. Recent studies show that in both men and women alcoholism is 50- 60% genetically determined, leaving 40-50% for environmental influences so it is safe to say that people with family history of alcoholism cannot be introduced to alcohol even as a recreational past time because the likelihood that they would develop alcoholism is very strong. Scientists are researching a gene called the D2 dopamine receptor. This gene when inherited in a specific form might increase a person’s chance of developing alcoholism. Another genealogical factor is the altering of a chemical in the brain called the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamat...
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... going back to their old ways of coping. As a family member, friend or love one of a person suffering from alcoholism you must continue to show patience and a firm loving hand of guidance to help them maintain their sobriety. Alcoholism is a disease that can infect and affect everyone around. It doesn’t care who you are it is a destructive and volatile disease. If you know someone or suspect someone to have this disease you have to help them Recognize they have a problem, Realize they need help and can’t beat this disease by themselves, Reach out for help and start the process of Rebuilding and Revitalizing their lives.
Life is a process of learning and becoming, there are many states we have to go through. Alcoholism chooses a state in life for you to remain in. this is a kind of death. Life is worth living and to live is to better understand life. Choose life!!
the Classical Disease Model of `Alcoholism,' habitual use of alcohol can be identified as a disease. Webster's Dictionary defines the concept of `disease' as follows: "Any departure from health presenting marked symptoms; malady; illness; disorder." Therefore, as many occurrences of alcohol excess provoke such symptoms, it is somewhat understandable that `alcoholism' is classified as a disease. The Classical Disease Model appears to offer a hopeful option. Treatment and sobriety can allow people to
Alcoholism is not a trend Alcoholism is one of the biggest medical problems in the Western world. Alcohol has been around since the time Jesus walked the Earth as some say. The problem continues to increase every year and has a negative impact on society. There are no upsides to alcohol. Nearly every town and city has restaurants that serve alcohol, and has stores where it can be purchased. Recently I saw a news article that said they are trying to get local stores to sell the hard liquor. For
Alcoholism Alcohol Dependence is a disease characterized by: a strong need or compulsion to drink, the frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun, the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shakiness) when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking, and the need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel an affect. Most experts agree that alcoholism is a disease just as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis are diseases. Like these other
General Theory of Alcoholism There are many theories of alcoholism, and some approaches explain and treat certain alcoholics better than others. One of the common themes throughout the readings is that addicts display a range of personal and situational problems. There is no "typical" addicted personality or emotional problem (Allen, 1996). Because of these facts, it comes as no surprise that there are also no typical assessment or treatment for these individuals. For instance, a medical/disease
known as alcoholism, is a condition where an individual drinks too much, too often and in ways that harm their health, happiness and even relationships. Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where a person drinks excessively despite the negative consequences and interference with life’s normal activities. It becomes a problem when the pattern happens on a regular basis. In the United States, nearly 14 million adults, or every one in 13 adults, abuse alcohol or have an alcoholism problem (Maldonado)
An alcoholic suffers from the illness alcoholism. Alcoholism is a long term disease that can be described as a physical compulsion combining with a mental obsession. An alcoholic usually gives in to cravings at the worst times. They don’t know when or how to stop drinking. Most adults can consume a moderate amount of alcohol and it will not be harmful. However, eighteen million American adults struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This means that their drinking causes distress and trauma
can become a chronic disorder for the patient. This addiction is influenced by a variety of psychosocial, genetic, and environmental factors (Swift). Alcohol abuse usually follows a predictable course, has recognizable symptoms, and lasts a person's lifetime. Numerous serious health problems are a consequence of alcoholism. Some signs and symptoms of alcoholism are failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities and drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as
the 1700’s, certain doctors realized how alcoholism was affecting people and suggested alcoholism as a disease. This started a centuries long dispute as to whether addiction and alcoholism was a moral issue or a disease. Many people today believe that it is possible to just stop using mind-altering substances without any treatment and support. Many under privileged alcoholics and addicts find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get proper treatment, and they end up in jails, institutions
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism stated that (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption) “Alcoholism is definitely a chronic plus behavioral disorder which is manifested by repeated drinking of alcoholic beverages in excess of the dietary and social use of the community and to an extent that interferes with the drinker's health or his social or economic functionin... ... middle of paper ... ...tion Signs, Symptoms and Effects." Alcoholism. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2014
million suffer from alcoholism. (Haisong 6) The dangers of alcohol affect everyone from children with alcoholic parents, to teenagers who abuse alcohol, then to citizens who are terrorized by drunk drivers. Alcoholism is defined as a destructive addiction to alcohol while alcohol abuse is defined as a destructive abuse of alcohol. Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse but there are many different factors that contribute to a person becoming an alcoholic. Alcoholism is genetic but usually
Addiction/alcoholism has always been a debate whether it is a choice or a disease. The combination of both are such a widespread topic throughout the world. Almost 80 percent of individuals suffering from a substance disorder also struggle with an alcohol disorder too. It is so widespread, you can walk up to a crowd of people and ask if they know someone who has an addiction, they will say yes. Addiction/alcoholism is a choice not a disease people choose not to get treatment because it is so widespread
Over time, alcoholism has been viewed in a multitude of distinct ways. Alcoholism is known as the physical dependence on alcohol, which may start to negatively change the addict’s life. Most people believe that alcoholism is a chronic disease and there are also some whom believe that it is simply an addiction that has gone way too far. Alcohol is a common substance that has been linked to numerous addictions, whether it’s binge drinking, alcohol abuse or the dependence on alcohol. Due to the immense
Alcoholics will live day by day struggling with compulsive drinking disease. Everyone thinks it’s all fun and games drinking and partying with their friends when they are younger, but they do not realize the effects of what alcoholism does to your body until it is unfortunately too late. In my opinion, alcohol abuse is the deadliest disease out there, before you know it alcohol takes over your body and your life. Everything around you will eventually revolve around alcohol, you will start to distance
today encounter a number of factors that make it difficult to have the “traditional American family”. Many families have grandparents acting as parents, single mother homes, and adolescents that are struggling with addiction and behavioral issues. Families are extremely affected by addiction and alcoholism and family therapy can play a major role in assisting the affected family members. Many marriages end in divorce and children inherit the disease of addiction. Alcoholism is a silent killer of the
paper ... ...pports. Alcoholism is rarely acknowledge as a disease depending on the cultural context. These attitudes either make way for social supports or limit them. The social supports of an individual depends on one’s Social economic status. The social economic status of and individual takes in consideration the income, location, family, and race of an individual. (Van, 2000)These three components impact the access that an individual may have to overcoming alcoholism. It is important to consider