Here’s Why Alcoholism is a Chronic Disease

For others, drinking can turn into mild, moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, the term doctors and clinicians now use instead of alcoholism, alcoholic or alcohol abuse. The long-term effectiveness of this intensive and extensive treatment approach was recently evaluated by McLellan and colleagues , who retrospectively examined the records of 904 physicians managed by 16 State PHPs. The analysis indicated very favorable long-term (i.e., 5 years) outcomes for physicians in these programs.

Moreover, many of these molecular changes identified are now directly linked to the structural, physiological and behavioral changes observed following chronic drug exposure . New frontiers of research investigating the molecular roles of ΔFosB have been opened by epigenetic studies, and recent advances have illustrated the role of ΔFosB acting on DNA and histones, truly as a molecular switch . As a consequence of our improved understanding of ΔFosB in addiction, it is possible to evaluate the addictive potential of current medications , as well as use it as a biomarker for assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions . Some of these proposed interventions have limitations or are in their infancy . However, it is hoped that some of these preliminary findings may lead to innovative treatments, which are much needed in addiction.

Aftercare resources such as 12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with rewarding relationships and meaning. DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance. Alcohol treatment is available in many formats, including inpatient and outpatient programs. A qualified admissions representative can help you identify the right kind of alcohol treatment. A mental disorder like alcoholism can be managed with addiction treatment, but there is no cure.

There are three major areas where this disease manifests significant negative effects:

Many people who are diagnosed with AUD are dually diagnosed with another mental health disorder, further connecting alcoholism and mental illness. Alcohol abuse can begin as a maladaptive coping mechanism for the untreated symptoms of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. Rather than abating the symptoms of an existing disorder long-term, AUD usually creates more mental health-related issues as it progresses.

The Retreat of Atlanta understands the heartache and desperation involved with alcoholism. We offer professional treatment teams who are familiar with alcohol use disorder and can design a comprehensive detox and treatment plan that is right for you. According to The American Psychiatric Association, alcoholism is a disease. In fact, the modern disease theory of alcoholism states that problem drinking is sometimes caused by a disease of the brain, characterized by altered brain structure and function. What’s more, the American Medical Association also counts alcoholism as a disease under both medical and psychiatric sections. Addiction to alcohol and chronic diseases have common symptom control and relapse pattern.

Is Alcoholism a Disease or a Choice?

In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options. Excessive alcohol intake tends to worsen over time without addiction treatment and can lead to other health complications and even death. Alcohol affects the pleasure, reward, and motivation centers in the human brain.

We are here 24 hours a day to help you detox from drugs and alcohol, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. A randomized trial of long-term reinforcement of cocaine abstinence in methadone-maintained patients who inject drugs. A practical clinical trial of coordinated care management to treat substance use disorders among public assistance beneficiaries. Foote A, Erfurt JC. Effects of EAP follow-up on prevention of relapse among substance abuse clients.

Long-Term Health Risks

These examples have in common the presence of denial and an unwillingness to surrender to the fact that alcoholism is a chronic disease that needs professional help to overcome. Denial often occurs because alcohol is the cure for how bad alcoholics feel, and they typically defend it no matter what. 5Correlational studies simply examine the relationship between participation in a continuing care program and AOD-related outcomes and therefore cannot be used to determine causality.

One issue that needs to be investigated in this context is how continuing care programs can be designed so that remaining actively involved in treatment becomes a more appealing proposition to patients. The most important goal of treatment obviously is to help the patient live without alcohol or other drugs. This also means, however, that an influence that played a central role in the patient’s life—even if the consequences generally were detrimental— is taken away from him or her, which may lead to a feeling of deprivation. Particularly for patients who do not suffer the most severe consequences of AOD use and are not ready to change their behavior, such an approach may have little appeal and will not be able to engage the patient’s motivation and participation. Therefore, it is important that treatment participation offers additional benefits to the patient. These could be monetary incentives; support with housing, employment, or AOD-free social activities that are contingent on abstinence; or the feeling of belonging to a supportive community, such as AA.

Substance use disorders like alcoholism can lead to progressive disability, just like chronic diseases. Long term, heavy drinking can cause extensive structural changes in the brain. The nature and extent of the physical toll on brain health varies depending on the age of the person, and the amount of alcohol being consumed. This damage can inhibit functioning, including reaction times, decision-making, and even the ability to learn new things. The answer is because of its progressive nature and the fact that no known cure exists. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, know that it will take time and a lot of effort to recover.

When Alcoholism Becomes a Disease

The consumption of alcohol at uncontrollable, excessive levels is considered alcoholism. Individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction find how to beat alcoholism as a midlife adult it hard to manage their drinking. Alcoholism can be in mild to severe stages and the difficulties of treating it relate to the severity.

Like diabetics who learn to eat healthy foods to cope with their disease, alcoholics can learn skills to cope with alcoholism and maintain long-term sobriety. Treatment for addiction takes many forms and more about alcohol addiction and abuse depends on the needs of the individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care.

The only way you will be able to take back control is if you get professional help. The final stage of an alcohol use disorder is the deterioration of your body and your emotional state. Alcohol use progresses to the point that the only thing that can relieve the distress of withdrawal symptoms is drinking more alcohol.

The American Medical Association first identified alcoholism as a disease in 1956. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association identified substance use disorder as a primary mental health disorder and included alcoholism as a subset of personality disorders. Mental and emotional symptoms occur long before physical symptoms appear.

Types of Continuing Care

Interestingly, the American Medical Association recognized alcoholism as a disease as early as the 1950s. Addiction shares the following characteristics with other chronic diseases, like heart disease or diabetes. Suddenly quitting drinking, or going “cold turkey” may result in anxiety, depression, wild mood swings, high blood pressure, and intense cravings for alcohol. That’s why a medically supervised detoxification process, followed by comprehensive addiction treatment, is the next best thing to a cure. Schaefer JA, Ingudomnukul E, Harris AH, Cronkite RC. Continuity of care practices and substance use disorder patients’ engagement in continuing care.

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. Additionally, patient preferences regarding the type and intensity of treatment (e.g., degree of supervision by others that is acceptable to them) need to be identified to enhance patient engagement and patient satisfaction with both the treatment and the outcomes. As a result, research to determine the effectiveness of existing continuing care approaches as well as to develop new strategies to enhance patients’ treatment participation and treatment outcome has grown considerably in recent years. These studies already have identified several components of continuing care that contribute to or mediate its effectiveness. Moreover, it is important that the treatment focus reaches beyond the patient and his or her AOD use to include the patient’s support systems (e.g., family, friends, employers, or peers), thereby ensuring provision of more integrated services. McKay and colleagues also recently tested an 18-month version of their adaptive, telephone-based continuing care intervention in a sample of 252 alcohol dependent patients who had achieved initial engagement in IOP.

Services include inpatient, outpatient, medication-assisted treatment programs, and partial hospitalization programs. Contact us today to find the treatment option that is best suited to your or a loved one’s needs. The production of this chemical often reinforces behaviors, both healthy and unhealthy.

These investigators conducted a series of studies of a multi-stage therapy including intensive day therapy, followed by reduced-intensity treatment combined with work therapy and access to housing. The investigators found that compared with standard outpatient care, the enhanced treatment resulted in significantly fewer drug-positive urine samples and higher treatment participation (Milby et national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism niaaa al. 1996). In a second study, a modified version of this enhanced treatment was compared with intensive day therapy only. Again, participants who were offered abstinence-contingent access to work therapy and housing showed better outcomes (e.g., greater treatment participation, higher abstinence rates, and less homelessness) than participants in the control condition (Milby et al. 2000).

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers alcoholism and alcohol use disorder among its top preventable causes of chronic illness, up there with tobacco use, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. The American Medical Association counts alcoholism as a disease under both its medical and psychiatric sections. Meanwhile, many mental illnesses—including depression, anxiety, bipolar, and post-traumatic stress disorder —can contribute to alcoholism. They can even stand as the main reason for a person engaging in addictive behavior. Since alcoholism is a complicated chronic disease, treating it can be tricky, often requiring medication and changes in lifestyle.

At the same time, excessive alcohol use and abuse are likely making the symptoms of depression worse for the alcoholic. 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 conditions. Victims of alcoholism suffer when a chemical dependency is created in the brain, resulting in physical changes as well.

• They include measures such as how often binge drinking occurs, the number of drinks consumed per episode, and the rates of binge drinking in different population groups.
• Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
• No cure, however, does not mean there is no hope for long-term recovery.
• Rather than abating the symptoms of an existing disorder long-term, AUD usually creates more mental health-related issues as it progresses.
• Interventions that had a longer duration (i.e., at least 12 months) or in which greater efforts were made to reach and engage the patients (e.g., through home visits or telephone calls or by involving spouses/partners) appeared to be more effective.

Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You may never develop skin cancer if you always protect your skin from the sun. It’s clear that the scope of the potential consequences is enormous, but chances are, that’s not new information for you.