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The transition from alcohol abuse to dependence involves a gradual increase in drinking frequency and quantity, leading https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to physical and psychological reliance on alcohol to function normally. As your drinking increases in quantity, frequency or duration, the pleasure you experience from drinking lowers over time. You can develop a tolerance for alcohol and may experience withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or cease drinking. Eventually, you may start drinking more to stave off withdrawal symptoms, leading to a cycle that is difficult to break without professional help. Instead, the focus is on managing the condition and building a strong foundation for sustained recovery.

• For instance, several studies have revealed that a person’s family history, as well as their mental health, stress levels, and social milieu, affect their chance of developing alcoholism.
• But if substance use continues, the brain produces less dopamine and/or reduces the number of brain structures that receive dopamine.
• Alcoholism is considered a brain disease because it affects the way the brain operates, causing symptoms such as compulsive behavior and intense cravings.
• When so many things in life become reminders of drinking, it becomes more and more difficult for people to not think about drinking.
• This means that when people with the disorder are abstaining from alcohol, they are still at increased risk of resuming unhealthy alcohol consumption, even if years have passed since their last drink.

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The journey to recovery is fraught with obstacles, but understanding these barriers is the first step towards overcoming them. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards helping someone get the support they need. The longer alcoholism remains unaddressed, the more what is alcoholism entrenched it becomes, making recovery a more arduous journey. These medications include Campral (acamprosate,) Antabuse (disulfiram,) Revia or Vivitrol, (naltrexone) or Topamax (topiramate).

What is the outlook for people who have alcohol use disorder?

Note that this means, in the adolescent age group, alcohol addiction is more common among females than males. However, in the category of adults, alcoholism is more common among males than females. Alcohol addiction may include periods of intoxication that result from an increase in how much alcohol you have in your bloodstream.

• We should continuously strive to learn about the intricacies of alcoholism and display empathy toward those affected by it.
• It can damage vital organs such as the liver and brain, disrupt the body’s nutrient balance, and weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable to diseases.
• If not properly addressed, alcohol addiction can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems and extremely difficult life challenges.
• It’s essential to seek professional assistance and support to address this condition and improve quality of life effectively.
• It is characterized by compulsive alcohol consumption despite negative consequences and can lead to physical, mental, social, and economic problems.
• Alcoholism fits the definition of a chronic disease due to its enduring nature and the potential for relapse even after periods of sobriety.

What Leads to Alcohol Addiction?

• The journey through the stages of alcoholism is not just a personal struggle but a societal challenge that calls for compassion, understanding, and effective intervention strategies.
• By adopting a long-term perspective and addressing the chronic nature of alcoholism, individuals can develop effective strategies for managing their disease and maintaining sobriety.
• Taking an alcoholism screening quiz can help you determine whether you have the symptoms of an alcohol use disorder.

The cause of many chronic diseases is linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. Many chronic diseases are preventable by living a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and managing risk factors. These are just a few examples of the mental health conditions that can manifest alongside alcohol addiction, a phenomenon known as dual diagnosis. Effective treatment must be multifaceted, integrating strategies that target both the alcoholism and the co-occurring disorders. Like diabetes or heart disease, alcoholism may get worse over time without treatment and management. It’s important to note that alcoholism exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of severity.

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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. Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem. An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.

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Whether alcohol use disorder is mild, moderate, or severe is based on the number of questions answered with a yes. If you said yes to 2-3 questions, it is likely mild AUD, 4-5 questions answered yes is moderate AUD, and 6 or more questions answered yes is severe AUD. Alcoholism can have significant effects on the brain, including changes in brain structure and function. Chronic alcohol use can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and other neurological issues.

While the exact causes of alcoholism are not known, why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease a number of factors can play a role. The condition is likely the result of a combination of genetic, social, psychological, and environmental factors. Alcoholism is a term that is sometimes used to describe what is known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

If you are prone to alcoholism due to family history or previous addictions, any alcohol use is risky and should be avoided. Those who find themselves or a loved one struggling with addiction should reach out for professional help. A qualified treatment provider can assist you in overcoming your addiction and maintaining your sobriety over the long term. According to the published report Classification of Alcohol Use Disorders, AUD comes in several forms. One type, alcoholism or alcohol dependence, occurs when you no longer have control over your drinking; another type, alcohol misuse, occurs when your drinking has repeated significant consequences. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.