Why Alcoholism Considered a Chronic Disease? Signs & Factors

This model suggests that AUD is a chronic and progressive disease that alters brain chemistry and function, leading to compulsive drinking and trouble stopping. Because, like other diseases, it can last a person’s lifetime, even if they are in recovery. Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a chronic disease of the brain that’s characterized by compulsive decision-making, impulsive behavior, and relapse.

What happens if someone with alcoholism doesn’t get treatment?

A health care provider might ask the following questions to assess a person’s symptoms. There is often a lack of understanding about alcohol dependency, leading to misconceptions and judgment towards those affected by it. This misunderstanding can perpetuate stigma and make it harder for individuals to seek help.

• Alcoholism is widely recognized and understood as a chronic disease that requires ongoing management and support.
• Mutual support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, provide peer support for stopping or reducing drinking and are available in most communities at low or no cost.
• Starting drinking at a young age greatly increases the chances of developing AUD later on.
• Therefore, quitting alcohol is difficult or even impossible on your own because your brain has adapted to need alcohol to function.
• Chronic alcohol dependency is a condition characterized by long-term difficulties in controlling alcohol consumption, despite its consequences on health and life.
• Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.

Parental drinking patterns can also impact a child’s future relationship with alcohol. Living in an unhealthy environment, experiencing childhood trauma, and having a history of mental health conditions can also contribute to the development of AUD. While some may argue that alcoholism is a moral failing or a result of low moral standards, this perspective fails to acknowledge the complex biological, psychological, and social components of the disease. By understanding alcoholism as a disease of the brain, we can address the underlying neurology and provide compassionate and evidence-based treatments to support individuals on their journey to recovery. A disease is a condition that you struggle with over a long period of time. Most people think of physical conditions, such as cancer or fibromyalgia as a chronic condition.

Mental Obsession

Chronic alcohol use can also increase the risk of developing neurological disorders, such as dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. NUMA Recovery Centers is a detox and rehab center that is dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment for people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Our treatment program also addresses dual drug addiction treatment diagnosis to support effective addiction recovery. Take the first step toward addiction treatment and long-term recovery, and contact NUMA Recovery Centers today.

All they know is there is a sudden urge for a drink, a physical compulsion. Alcoholism is considered disease because it affects the way the brain operates. It disrupts a person’s ability to think critically, make rational decisions and function normally. As a person progresses through the stages, he or she becomes more severely addicted.

Genetics and family history

Recognizing the impact of both genetic and environmental triggers is crucial for understanding and addressing alcoholism as a disease. It is characterised by compulsive decision-making, impulsive behaviour, and a high likelihood of relapse. It is triggered by genetic and environmental factors, and it causes biological changes in the brain that make abstaining from alcohol extremely difficult without medical treatment. Alcoholism alters the brain’s chemistry and structure, leading to physical and psychological dependence, as well as severe withdrawal symptoms. The causes of alcoholism are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and personal factors.

Resources and Support for Affected Individuals

Third, the magnitude of the observed effects varied substantially between studies and sometimes was relatively small. A second limitation of the Minnesota Model is its exclusive focus on the AA/NA principles and philosophy, which are embraced by many AOD abusers but rejected by others. As a result, for patients who are not willing to follow the AA/NA rules and recommendations, the Minnesota Model is not a viable treatment option. The sooner you get help the better, but many people recover after years or even decades of alcoholism.

It usually develops gradually as drinking becomes more frequent, more routine, and more difficult to stop. Current drugs available for alcohol treatment are naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate. Some of these drugs help to reduce cravings or the effects caused by withdrawal. Alcoholism has no known cure and can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, or age.

The earliest damage occurs in the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for memory, decision-making, behavior and executive function. People develop alcoholism when they lose the ability to control their drinking. They feel an uncontrollable urge to drink, and they have incredible difficulty stopping themselves from drinking.

Thus, it is crucial to identify for each patient the most desirable incentives that can motivate him or her to actively engage and remain in therapy. People with AUD can’t stop drinking, even when drinking affects their health, safety, and personal relationships. They may also experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria, malaise, feeling low, or seizures.