The basic treatment approach, however, in most cases still follows the Minnesota Model (i.e., is based on a 12-step approach). 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. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, influencing their physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. In this article, we will explore why alcoholism is considered a chronic disease and what it entails.
Nevertheless, it can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. For many battling alcoholism, rehabilitation is a lifelong process that demands dedication and constant support. Like diabetes and heart diseases , there is a genetic component to alcoholism. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease the disorder themselves.
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex condition with psychological, biological, and social components. While some consider it a disease, others argue that it is not a disease itself but can cause physical disease and dependence. The modern disease theory of alcoholism describes problem drinking as a disease of the brain, with altered brain structure and function.
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It can also lead to permanent brain damage, resulting in dementia, memory loss, and impaired motor functioning. Alcohol is a known carcinogen, and long-term use increases the risk of several types of cancer, like head and neck, esophageal, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. Chronic alcohol use is a major cause of heart disease, like high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), and even heart failure. The heart has to work harder to pump oxygenated blood through the body, which can lead to long-term damage.
Why Is Alcohol Use Disorder A Chronic Disease?
What starts as “blowing off steam” can become a coping strategy, then a daily habit, and finally a dependency. Attempts to stop are uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, because the body has adapted to alcohol’s presence. Embracing these practices can lead to a more centered and balanced lifestyle, which is crucial for maintaining sobriety and Twelve-step program preventing relapse. While not a substitute for traditional treatment methods, they provide valuable support and can be integrated into a comprehensive recovery plan. The impact of a supportive family and community is not just anecdotal; it is a cornerstone of successful recovery. By recognizing the importance of these relationships, we can better equip those struggling with alcoholism to navigate the path to sobriety.
Medical Treatment Appropriate?
Alcoholism can be hard to recognize at first—but there are clear warning signs to watch for. These include needing to drink more to get the same effect, feeling unable to cut back, missing work or school because of drinking, or continuing to drink despite negative consequences. Two to three symptoms usually mean a mild disorder, four to five would equate to a moderate disorder, and severe disorders usually entail the development of six or more. In addition, years of alcohol abuse take a major psychological and social toll through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and difficulties at work or school. Teenage brains are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol.
Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Most alcoholics drink to relieve stress or social anxiety, or have a good time at an event where alcohol is the main focus—bars, parties, wine-tasting events, and nightclubs. The problem is that alcoholism is a progressive disease where tolerance levels increase over time, thus leading to more severe symptoms such as physical dependence and alcoholism-related illnesses.
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Many treatment programs incorporate medication-assisted therapies, such as naltrexone, which can help reduce cravings and block the pleasurable effects of alcohol. These medical approaches align with the disease model, reinforcing that AUD is not simply a lack of self-control but a condition that requires intervention. By understanding alcoholism as a chronic disease, individuals can let go of the notion that a single period of abstinence means a complete cure. Instead, the focus is on managing the condition and building a strong foundation for sustained recovery.
The sobering truth is that alcoholism should be treated as a chronic medical disease. Recognizing the problem and getting proper help can lead to recovery and a healthier, happier life without relying on alcohol. Similarly, an intensive case management approach resulted in better AOD-related outcomes in a different sample compared with usual treatment (Morgenstern et al. 2009).
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CDC’s research also shows that chronic diseases are the top reason for disability and even death in the United States. We offer continuing care and alumni programs to help you thrive in recovery. Regular check-ins and a strong local support network will keep you accountable and motivated. A third medication, disulfiram also is approved for the treatment of alcoholism. Thus, patients taking disulfiram will avoid alcohol consumption to prevent these aversive effects. Another important issue that needs to be addressed, particularly in this age of concern over rising health care costs, is the question of who pays for continuing care interventions.
Denial often occurs because alcohol is the cure for how bad alcoholics feel, and they typically defend it no matter what. In the journey to recovery, holistic and alternative approaches offer a complementary path that addresses the multifaceted nature of alcoholism. These methods emphasize the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, aiming to heal the whole person rather than just the symptoms of addiction. Preventative strategies and education are crucial in mitigating the risks of alcoholism. Education on the dangers of excessive drinking and the benefits of moderation can empower individuals to make informed choices. Initiatives such as school-based programs and community workshops can play a significant role in prevention.
- In addition to support groups, individual counseling or therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing cravings, addressing underlying emotional issues, and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
- Alcohol primarily affects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits neuronal activity, and glutamate, which excites neurons.
- According to the theory, genes play a strong role in the development of alcoholism.
Psychological factors, including stress, trauma, and mental health disorders, can also influence the chronicity of alcoholism. Additionally, social factors, such as peer pressure and environmental triggers, can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. The disease model of alcoholism is further supported by the understanding that mental illnesses can contribute to substance use disorders, and vice versa. Mental health conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, are often comorbid with AUD. Additionally, individuals with a history of childhood trauma are also more vulnerable to developing AUD.