Learning to manage triggers and commit to a healthy lifestyle without alcohol has enabled many suffering from AUD to enjoy a long, fulfilling life in recovery. In the past, addiction was misunderstood because it’s a disease that many people exposed to alcohol never develop. People assumed that those with alcohol use disorders chose to keep drinking. The first time individuals drink or take drugs, they do so voluntarily, and they believe they can control their use. With time, more and more alcohol or drugs are needed to achieve the same level of pleasure and satisfaction as when they first started.
- The shift from a punitive to a supportive mindset is essential in fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help.
- Seeking out and taking the substance becomes a near-constant activity, causing significant problems for them and their family and friends.
- In the early stages of alcoholism, one or two drinks may be all it takes to get the « song » to stop.
- Many chronic diseases are preventable by living a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and managing risk factors.
- Adding to that, some mental illnesses can facilitate addiction and even be the reason to begin the addiction.
- The psychological and relational consequences are profound, often exacerbating pre-existing mental health issues or creating new ones.
- These comorbid conditions can make the disease more difficult to treat and add to its chronic nature.
Chronic Phase: The Pinnacle of Addiction
Genetics and other factors play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder. Research has shown that a person’s risk for developing alcoholism is influenced by their family history, as well as their mental health, stress levels, and social environment. Therefore, genetics can play increase a person’s risk for developing alcohol abuse; other factors, such as mental health disorders and social stressors, can also contribute to the development of the disease. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex and chronic disease that affects the brain and behavior.
Physical symptoms of alcoholism include:
- The cycle of alcohol abuse and mental health problems can lead to a downward spiral, where each condition fuels the other, making recovery more challenging.
- Medications can make detoxification safe while avoiding the worst symptoms of withdrawal.
- It is essential to understand that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of alcoholism, but they significantly increase the likelihood.
- AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
Taking an alcoholism screening quiz can help you determine whether you have the symptoms of an alcohol use disorder. In fact, the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women is the leading cause of preventable birth defects in the U.S., and it can cause a particular constellation of problems called fetal alcohol syndrome. Substance abuse Women who have alcohol use disorder may benefit from treatment with medications and behavioral therapies, and in general, discontinuation of alcohol consumption during pregnancy improves outcomes for the baby. For people who have alcohol use disorder, stopping their drinking is an important first step.
Heart Disease
Many other factors play a part in normalizing drinking, including advertising. According to the State of North Dakota, by restricting alcohol advertising in public areas, we can work to reduce the glamorized view of drinking. All too often, advertising makes it seem like https://ecosoberhouse.com/ consuming alcohol is a normal part of life. Someone can be genetically predisposed to developing the disease, but if they are not exposed to alcohol through their environment, the risk of them becoming addicted decreases significantly.
Why is Alcohol Dependency Considered a Chronic Disease?
Alcoholism is widely recognized as a chronic disease, which means it is characterized by long-lasting and persistent symptoms. Several factors contribute to the chronicity of alcoholism, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Unlike acute illnesses that have a sudden onset and typically resolve within a short period, chronic diseases are characterized by their prolonged duration and often require ongoing management. The chronic phase of alcohol addiction is characterized by compulsive drinking, loss of control over alcohol intake, and the presence of withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. The transition is characterized by a growing preoccupation with alcohol and the onset of withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physical and psychological.
Compounding the problem already experienced by those facing alcoholism is the progressive nature of the disease. In the early stages of alcoholism, one or two drinks may be all it takes to get the « song » to stop. Somewhere down the road, the only time the song stops is when the person is passed out. According to the report, substance use disorders result from changes in the brain that occur with the repeated why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease? use of alcohol or drugs. These changes take place in brain circuits involved in pleasure, learning, stress, decision-making and self-control.
