Why is Alcoholism Considered a Chronic Disease? Alcoholism can have a profound impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, as well as their relationships and overall quality of life. This is why seeking help from a healthcare professional, such as those at a Family Practice Center, is crucial for individuals who are struggling with this condition. Family Practice Centers can provide a range of services to support individuals with alcohol use disorder, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They may also offer counseling and support services for individuals and their families, as alcoholism can have far-reaching effects beyond the individual who is struggling. With the help of a Family Practice Center and a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals with alcohol use disorder can manage their condition and improve their overall health and well-being.
A Chronic Disease: What Is It?
It can be helpful to comprehend the medical definition of chronic disease management in order to relate alcoholism to chronic disorders. A chronic disease is one that lasts for three months or longer and has additional typical characteristics, such as:
- They cannot be stopped by vaccines.
- They are not treatable with medicine.
- They do not merely “disappear.”
Six out of ten People, according to the CDC, suffer at least one chronic illness. A number of different lifestyle choices, such as smoking, inactivity, and poor diet can cause chronic diseases. Arthritis, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, obesity, and dental problems are a few of the most widespread chronic disorders.
Alcoholism: What Is It?
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is the inability to manage one’s alcohol consumption and excessive alcohol usage. Alcohol use disorders prevent sufferers from controlling their drinking. Each category of alcohol use disorder has its own set of symptoms and negative repercussions. Alcohol use disorders can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
The medical establishment formerly divided alcohol use disorder into two groups: abuse and dependence. Now, a spectrum is used to measure it. A person may be diagnosed with a minor to severe alcohol use disorder depending on how many criteria they meet. Some of the criteria for diagnosing alcoholism include having an alcoholic urge, drinking more than one intends to, or continuing to consume alcohol despite interpersonal difficulties. According to research, bipolar disorder, and severe depression are two mental health conditions that frequently co-occur with alcohol use disorder.
In the United States, alcoholism and alcohol misuse are major issues. Only 7.9% of the 14.5 million adults with alcohol use disorders in 2019 received treatment. About 401,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have an alcohol use disorder.
Why does Alcoholism Occur?
Alcohol use disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Instead, a person’s risk for addiction is increased by a variety of things. The following risk factors for alcohol consumption disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
- becoming a drinker before the age of 15
- genealogy and genetics
- diseases of the mind and a background of trauma
- binge drinking and heavy drinking
An alcohol consumption problem frequently develops as a result of a mix of genetic predispositions and environmental risk factors, such as stress or trauma. Before the age of 15, those who start drinking are more likely to develop addictions than those who wait until they are 21.
After Alcoholism is Diagnosed as a Disease
Alcoholism frequently occurs when a person loses control over their alcohol consumption, however, the exact moment can be difficult to pinpoint. You can start out drinking moderately and work your way up. Although it may be an abuse issue, alcoholism is not necessarily present. Typically, alcoholism turns into a disease when:
- You make an effort to quit but are unsuccessful.
- You keep going in spite of occasionally very bad outcomes.
- Alcohol is physically addictive and quitting causes withdrawal symptoms.
Using criteria established by specialists to define the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, medical professionals can make a diagnosis when alcoholism progresses to the point of becoming a disease.
Causes of Alcoholism:
Alcoholism is a complex condition that is influenced by a range of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to alcoholism, with research suggesting that certain genes may increase the risk of developing this condition. Environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, and peer pressure, can also contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder. In addition, individuals who have a history of mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may be more likely to develop alcoholism as a form of self-medication.
Symptoms of Alcoholism:
The symptoms of alcoholism can vary from person to person, but they generally include a compulsion to drink, the inability to control alcohol consumption, and the experience of withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking. Other common symptoms of alcoholism include the development of a high tolerance to alcohol, drinking in risky situations, and the experience of negative consequences related to alcohol use, such as relationship problems, work-related issues, or health problems.
How to Support Someone Who Is Alcoholic
There are actions you may take to support someone who is struggling with alcoholism. Consider the following tactics:
- Understand alcohol use disorder so that you may empathize with your loved one.
- When communicating with them, do not cast blame or pass judgment; rather, speak from a place of care and concern.
- Instead of making generalizations like, “You’re hooked,” give specific examples of conduct that worries you.
- By offering resources or assisting them in getting into treatment, offering to support them in their recovery.
- Don’t help them out by giving them money or making excuses for their errors.
- Recognize that serving or consuming alcohol in their presence puts them at risk of relapsing, thus it would be considerate to abstain.
A treatment program is necessary for the disease of chronic alcoholism.
Since alcoholism is viewed as a chronic illness with a protracted course, therapy must reflect this idea. The greatest treatment programs are frequently lengthy and change over time to continue meeting the changing needs of the patient as they advance through the stages of recovery.
The Recovery Village can assist you if you need therapy for an alcohol use disorder. With facilities all throughout the nation, we provide several levels of care, from inpatient therapy to outpatient programs. To start the admissions process, call us right away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, alcoholism is considered a chronic disease due to its persistent and progressive nature, which can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems. This condition is often associated with genetic, biological, and environmental factors that make it difficult for individuals to overcome without proper treatment and management. However, with the help of healthcare professionals and a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals with alcohol use disorder can manage their condition and improve their overall health and well-being.
Family Practice Centers play a vital role in the management of alcohol use disorder, as they can provide a range of services to support individuals and families affected by this condition. By taking a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being, Family Practice Centers can help individuals with alcohol use disorder to achieve and maintain sobriety. Additionally, they can provide ongoing support to help individuals manage the long-term effects of alcoholism, such as liver disease and mental health issues. Overall, the recognition of alcoholism as a chronic disease underscores the importance of seeking professional help and support to manage this condition effectively.
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