Alcoholism is a Disease

Alcoholism is a Disease

Introduction

            The debate whether alcoholism is a disease or not has been around for over two hundred years and empirically does not show signs of ending soon. Alcohol addiction inherently qualifies as a medical disease in various aspects. It acquires the traits of being a mental obsession that simultaneously causes the physical compulsion to consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is known to create disorders to the alcoholic’s body systems like the muscular, digestive, and the nervous systems together with complications in respiratory and excretory systems. Although many have argued it as a disease caused by peer pressures, environmental stress, and social trends which are careless, alcoholism is a kind of divergence from normalcy and threatens to create major challenges to the contemporary society. As a disease, alcoholism is psychologically and socially contagious on advanced stages as it assumes craving becoming a fad, tradition, or habit. An alcoholic does not posses the control over his or her urge to alcohol drinking where the only remedy to the urge one has to drink. For these reasons, alcoholism becomes a disease which consequently desires medical attention as well as human care.

            An addiction inherently may dominantly lock up in the ground of psychological or physiological need while the side effects evolve to achieve the status of a disease. Gifford (2010) states alcoholism is quite alarming when it reaches the uncontrollable level simply because it invariably casts doubts over the normal functioning of many body organs. Among the risk factors of alcoholism is the fact that it can empirically impair cells and tissues of the alcoholic’s body leading to various abnormalities like problems of determining what is right or wrong in performing certain processes in the body. Undoubtedly, acute alcoholism needs the immediate services medical practitioners in various fields like psychiatry, medicine and psychology which often recommend the alcoholics for hospitalization of therapeutic rehabilitation after all. Alcoholism like other diseases has symptoms and signs which doctors diagnose and recommend for treatment.

Symptoms

            Every disease has its unique symptoms which makes it distinguishable from other diseases. The symptoms and signs of alcoholism may be visible to the common man’s eyes while others can only be detected by physicians. One is unable to control the amount of alcohol he or she can drink as well as has strong compulsive urge to drink. In such a case, the alcoholic develops tolerance to alcoholic drinks such that he or she requires more of the drink before he or she can ultimately experience its effects. An alcoholic exhibits excessive sweating, coughing, vomiting as well as red and watery eyes, insomnia, and constant sneezing which are all withdrawal symptoms in case one does not drink. Moreover, alcoholics show signs of hypertension, loose bowel movements while others experience nausea and chest pains after heavy drinking. There are those who will show desire for cold water the first thing in the morning and taking showers becomes irregular as a result of being addicted to alcohol (Rehm, 2011). Cases of overeating as a result of drinking of alcohol are witnessed where those who are fat overeat while thin people do not regularly eat.

            Medical specialists on alcoholics advise for people to discern various signs and behavioral patterns which may not be noticeable without close scrutiny of someone who is alcoholic. Some people have a ritual of drinking at particular times of the day and become disturbed and angry when such drinking rituals are questioned. Others become irritable when drinking time is near and especially when alcohol is not available. This explains why some alcoholics keep alcoholic drinks hidden in their places of work, in the car or at home. Binge drinking is also another symptom of alcoholics and this keeps the alcoholics drinking even late at night (Hanson, 2010).

The alcoholics also exhibit reflex signs of jerking, shaking limbs and eventual memory loss. In extreme cases, alcoholism triggers confusion which empirically affects the social relationships one has either at work or at home with his or her family members. According to Weiten (2012), the individual who is an alcoholic cannot remember appointment at work as well as other commitment at home of his or her family. Others as accosted by legal problems simply because of problems pertaining to finances, employment or relationship due to excessive drinking. Many alcoholics loose interest in hobbies that used to occupy their free times as well as other activities that brought pleasure to them. Quitting drinking becomes a problem because a person had developed overdependence and suffers from extreme physical withdrawal effects. Like other diseases, the alcoholics require medical attention in extreme cases so that these symptoms can be ultimately cured before escalate to severe depression.   

Causes

            Like every other disease, alcoholism has its causes which are influenced by psychological, genetic, environmental and social factors. Becoming addicted to alcohol is a gradual process, although in some cases people exhibit abnormal response as far as alcohol is concerned after they have started drinking. As drinking behavior continues over time, alcohol interferes with the normal chemical balance in the body until the nerves in the brain which are connected with pleasure experience, behavior control ability and judgment cannot function normally. This results to alcohol craving where upon drinking one restores the good feelings or alternatively subdue the negative ones. Notably, alcohol as a disease renders one helpless as with the control of the hypothalamus in the brain leads to alcoholism (Gifford, 2010).

            Many professionals in the medical field recognize alcoholism as a chronic disease where they define it as “a mental obsession that causes a physical compulsion to drink” (Flowers, 2010). As a mental obsession, alcoholism becomes a mental and thought process where one has no control over it. The mental obsession becomes psychological in the sense that the alcoholic is powerless and the physical compulsive urge to take a drink sets in.  

            The debate whether alcoholism is a hereditary diseases still ranges on. Studies have shown that the hereditary aspect is not in the archetypal fashion. The argument is that no genetic make up will push our children to crave for alcohol. Empirical studies conducted are strongly showing that there are characteristics partially inherited from parents leading to alcoholism in children. Studies have found out that the brain electrical energy amount – Electroencephalogram – is biologically different in non-alcoholics and alcoholics. In one of the studies, medical researchers found out that alcoholic fathers had young sons whose Electroencephalogram (EEG) activity was higher than those of non-alcoholics. The high Electroencephalogram sequences are mostly found in grown up alcoholics and studies have shown that they are inheritable (Flowers, 2010). This justifies genetic as a partial cause of alcoholism disease in young generation.

            Further, environmental factors contribute as cause to the alcoholism as a disease affecting people. Research studies have indicated that there is high possibility of alcoholism being passed to the next generation as a result of environmental influence. A child who lives with his alcoholic parents has 4 times chances of growing up as an alcoholic as compared to the child whose parents are not alcoholic. This has also been found to be true for children who are also living a house with people who are alcoholic even when they are not their parents (Rehm, 2011). Children grow up learning everything adults do and copy such behaviors in their adult lives. Alcoholism may not be passed like other communicable diseases but it becomes an environmental product where children ape what the adults’ behaviors of drinking. For children who grow up learning from parents and other siblings that the only viable option of dealing with stress is through drinking, then alcoholism disease will affect them at one time in their lives (Hanson, 2010).

            Alcoholism as a disease may be caused and necessitated by social factors where the social association of a person includes friends and peers who are alcoholics. One will start with few drinks at a bar with friends at early stages and since alcoholism is defined as a progressive disease, the individual progresses in becoming a heavy drinker and graduates into chronic stage of alcoholics. Binge drinking is among the social factors that lead to alcoholism which subsequently lead to social problems and associated health risks of alcoholism. Young adults and teenagers are the ones who actively indulge in binge drinking and has been known to develop into alcoholism. Like other diseases which have early symptomatic stages which can be preventable if intervention measures are taken, alcoholism can be prevented if one does not engage in heavy drinking leading to the powerless and physical dependence. Alienating a person from the social circles that prompt him or her to drinking will naturally reduce the chances of suffering from alcoholism (Balunas et al, 2010). The chronic stage of diseases makes them hard to cure and same is with alcoholism where individuals require specialized treatment and therapy in order to cure the advanced effects in case of the physical withdrawal.       

Alcoholism Disease Theory

            The theory of alcoholism asserts that the disease in a chronic and progressive problem which if it is not checked brings damage to brain, distorts thinking faculties as well as bringing physical dependence to the individual where excessive consumption lead to other diseases like liver cirrhosis. In the theory of alcoholism as a disease, Dr. Fingarette agrees to the phases that comes in four propositions: First; heavy consumers of alcohol show a particular distinctive sequence characteristic of immense alcohol consumption whose risks are social, bodily and mental deterioration (Stevens, 2008). Second, alcoholism condition once it manifests itself persists with the individual undergoing bouts of irresistible drinking which he or she cannot control. Third, the individual is in dire need of medical help to relieve the alcoholism condition as well as ameliorate the symptoms. Finally in the last phase of alcoholism disease, individuals are no longer responsible morally or legally for their drink consumption as well as its consequences just like epileptics are not liable for their movements in the moment of seizures.

            In 1940s, the first phase of alcoholism gained credibility from the published works of E.M. Jellinek which he theoritized uncontrolled drinking in progressive manner with symptoms such as blackouts, withdrawal distress, tolerance, insanity followed by death (Gifford, 2010). The hypothesis of Jellinek had its basis on self-report questionnaires where he sampled a group of 100 alcoholic men. The study had inadequacies which Jellinek later noted and distanced himself from the proposition. Later scientific research proved that the typical sequences of heavy drinking at times fluctuates where some get worse, other greatly improve, some never change while others develop other problems compared to those Jellinek suggested. However, the truth in the proposition is undeniable that alcoholism as a disease can result to death as it corrodes and caused the body not to function as a result of other diseases.

            The second phase which asserts drinking becomes uncontrollable after initial phase of drinking was disapproved years ago by over 100 studies who after rehabilitation and therapeutic programs indicated that a great number of alcoholics retained moderate drinking without experiencing major problems. But as much as the alcoholics are rehabilitated to moderate drinking levels, there are no indicators that the previous stress and other factors will not be prevented and may later indulge in heavy drinking once more. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in U.S. pointed out that after 20 years of alcohol dependence three quarters of alcoholics, while half of the recovered lot only did so at low-risk environments without alcohol dependence symptoms. Whereas 75% of alcoholics recovered without medical help of rehabilitation programs, only 13% of the alcoholics receive specialists’ alcohol treatment Gifford, 2010). With more campaigns of rehab programs many alcoholics who have not been able to resist the drink can ultimately seek medical assistance and lead their former normal lives.

            The third phases as expounded by Dr. Fingarette that medical help is necessary to deal with alcoholism has been disapproved by research studies. Following the argument brought forth by recent researches, it is possible for many alcoholics to modify or control their drinking behaviors without help. Dr. Peele asserts that people can also devise their own holistic and spiritual approaches to this disease of alcoholism (Balunas et al, 2010). This does not disassociate the fact that alcoholism can be treated medically but also suggests other alternative ways of curing alcoholism after all.    

            On the final phase that alcoholics are not to blame for their alcoholic behaviors is not entirely true. In 1988, Supreme Court in U.S. empirically found out that alcoholism emanate from ones misconduct willingly. Whereas many consider alcoholism as a genetic disease predisposed, drinking of alcohol should not be labeled as involuntary. There is case of unsupported beliefs but what emerges clear is that alcohol abuse differs and just like the other diseases the patients have different bodies with different abilities of building immune levels. In this case there are those people who alcoholism will eventually bring their death and there are also those who can effectively recover from the physical dependence (Rehm, 2011).  

            More importantly, the theory agrees that environment contributes to the risks of one developing into chronic alcoholic. History of family alcoholism has been pointed out as likely initiator in alcoholic behaviors among young family members. However, other factors also cause alcoholism in individuals whose family history is devoid of alcoholism disease. Drinking of alcohol initiates the development of alcoholism whereas attitudes and availability of alcohol in environment of an individual influence the likelihood of being a victim of alcoholism disease. Current studies indicate that alcoholism in both women and men is 50-60 percent genetically determined while 40-50% bears the influence from environmental factors (Stevens, 2008).               

Risk Factors

            Alcoholism disease has risk factors just like other diseases. The sequence of steady consumption of alcohol over time is known to produce physical dependence. One is more likely to become an alcoholic if he or she drinks regularly. In the long run, an individual is addicted and thus becomes a victim of alcoholism disease. Age is another risk factor where by those who start drinking at youth or teenage life have higher chances of becoming alcoholics as well as suffering from other diseases which are initiated by excessive drinking. Family history of alcoholism contributes to a bigger chance of one becoming an alcoholic. The socio-cultural factors considerably increase the risks of the disease. One cannot be in constant company of friends who drink and fail to drink. Peer pressure is the greatest precursor to a youth indulging in drinking spree so that he or she is accepted in the group. This binge drinking later culminates into alcoholism. Other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders will lead one to the “feel good mood” created by alcohol (Gifford, 2010). Lastly, mixing alcohol and medication increases the toxic effects making the medicine ineffective. This will eventually not cure the disease but alternatively escalate its effects on the individual.       

Complications

            The disease of alcoholism brings disastrous complications to the alcoholics which can eventually result to death. Cassano et al (2011) claim the toxic contents in alcohol significantly depresses ones nervous system which deteriorate to lack of emotions and judgment eventually a person complain loss of memory and dementia. Poor judgment as a result of the alcohol disease is blamed for the high cases of motor accidents which have also claimed a lot of lives. Lack of emotions is a problem where acts of violence are being witnessed in the domestic and public circles. In order to satisfy the compulsive urge, family finances are squandered either drinking sprees or in medical costs as result of the other ailments arising from excess consumption of alcohol. Alcohol inhibits flow of speech, coordination of muscles and causes malfunctions in the vital parts of the brain. Other diseases that result from the alcoholism disease include: liver cirrhosis, heart complications, diabetes, eye problems, digestive problems, birth defects, risk of cancer, sexual complications, and weak immune system among others.   

Treatment

            Alcoholism disease differs from other diseases even in the manner of its treatment and cure. Unlike other diseases which require lots complex medication, alcoholism disease is cured by self control and strict discipline. The unwinding approach from the taste of the alcohol to personal initiated mission of assimilating change is of utmost importance. According to Flowers (2010; p.5), psychologists recommend for at least half a year in residential treatment centers (rehab) where there are minimal risk factors. Alcoholics only have desires of getting one drink after another to satisfy the compulsive urge which ends up in spending each moment drinking or thinking about alcoholic drinks.

The rehabilitation programs serve as the holistic approach to many alcoholics and eventually are able to overcome the compulsive urge completely. While all these seclusion from the risk factors is important, the personal mission to overcome the urge plays the integral role in the healing process. This is likened to that individual who is in a coma and does not have the willpower to live cannot accelerate his or her recovery after all. It is therefore essential to remove all risk factors that tempt alcoholics so that there are successful rates of alcoholism recovery (Balunas et al, 2010).

            Other medical drugs which are recommended for alcoholics in treatment of physical dependence on alcohol are Disulfiram, Naltrexone (Revia) reduces compulsive urge, and Campral. Disulfiram causes negative reaction to the alcoholic so that they can hate alcoholic drinks because it will give one hangover symptoms. The medicine will not stop the cravings nor the withdrawal symptoms but alienates one from the drinks. Revia is taken for 12 weeks after which one does not have the craving for alcoholic drinks. Campral helps restore the brain ‘s chemical balance so that one achieves abstinence from alcohol (Cassano et al, 2011).

Conclusion

No matter how the debate takes course on whether alcoholism is a disease or vice versa, alcoholism qualifies in all aspects as a disease which has early symptoms, causes and treatment procedures. Just like other diseases that require seclusion of the patient, alcoholics require this period away from all those risk factors to impose the self-denial and willpower to overcome the compulsive urge. Like other diseases, alcoholism is a precursor to other diseases that have damaging effects on the body organs and swift preventive and remedial measures are of paramount importance if the contemporary society is to succeed is alleviating the high mortality rates that come with alcoholism.

References

Balunas, D et al. (2010). The relation between different dimensions of alcohol consumption and burden of disease: an overview. Addiction. 105 (5): p. 817-843.

Cassano, N. et al. (2011). Alcohol, psoriasis, liver disease, and anti-psoriasis drugs. International Journal of Dermatology. 50 (11): p. 1323-1331.

Flowers, W. D. (2010). Alcoholism/drug addiction: A disease or not! --what causes alcoholism and drug addiction. New York: iUniverse.

Gifford, M. (2010). Alcoholism. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood Press/ABC-CLIO.

Hanson, D. J. (2010). Is Alcohol a Disease? Retrieved December 5, 2012. Online.

Rehm, J. (2011). The risks associated with alcohol use and alcoholism. Alcohol Research & Health. 34 (2): p. 135-143.

Stevens, J. (2008). Is Alcoholism a disease? Retrieved December 5, 2012. Online.

Weiten, W. (2012). Psychology: Themes and variations. Belmont, Calif: Cengage/Wadsworth.