Alcoholism is a Disease Not a Choice - Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholism is a Disease - Not a Choice

Alcoholism, now known medically as alcohol use disorder, is a condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite detrimental social, occupational, or health consequences. Many people believe that alcoholism is a choice or moral failing, but modern science has shown that alcoholism is actually a chronic brain disease that is not the fault of the individual.

Alcoholism as a Brain Disease

Decades of research have revealed the profound effects that alcohol has on the brain, leading to compulsive alcohol seeking and use. Alcohol disrupts neurotransmitter systems involved in reward, motivation, judgment, learning, memory and control over behavior. With heavy alcohol use, the brain attempts to compensate for these disruptions, leading to tolerance, physical dependence, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Brain imaging studies show significant abnormalities in the brains of those with alcoholism, particularly in the prefrontal cortex which governs judgment and self-control. Distortions in brain chemistry help explain why alcoholics continue to drink despite devastating consequences.

Genetics also play a strong role, with children of alcoholics being about four times more likely to develop alcoholism in their lifetime. While no single gene directly causes alcoholism, variations in genetics combined with environmental factors account for over half of an individual's risk.

Alcoholism as a Disease, Not a Choice

Because alcoholism involves uncontrollable cravings and compulsive drinking behaviors, it meets the medical definition of a disease. Alcoholics do not have full control over their drinking and lose the ability to stop or moderate consumption as social drinking progresses into dependence.

Viewing alcoholism as a disease emphasizes that it is not something the individual chose or caused through moral failings. Like diabetes, cancer or heart disease, it is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological and environmental factors.

Understanding alcoholism as a disease leads to more compassion, less stigma and greater acceptance of medical treatment. Unburdened by blame, alcoholics can focus on recovery.

The Progression of Alcoholism

Alcoholism tends to follow a predictable course, beginning with occasional or social drinking and evolving into dependence:

• Social drinking - Drinking in social settings without negative consequences.
• Increased tolerance - Drinking more to feel alcohol's effects.
• Craving - Intense desire to drink.
• Loss of control - Inability to moderate drinking habits.
• Physical dependence - Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
• Neglecting activities - Choosing drinking over social, occupational or recreational activities.
• Continued drinking - Despite physical, social or interpersonal problems caused by alcohol.

This pattern illustrates how alcoholism slowly takes over a person's life as drinking becomes uncontrollable and excessive. Understanding the progression helps identify those at risk early.

Common Symptoms of Alcoholism

Recognizing the signs of alcoholism is important for obtaining treatment before the disease progresses to advanced stages:

• Drinking alone or hiding drinking habits.
• Blacking out from drinking.
• Failed attempts to cut back or quit.
• Drinking before or during work, school or social activities.
• Drinking in dangerous situations like driving or operating machinery.
• Legal problems related to drinking like DUIs.
• Continued drinking despite relationship issues or health problems.
• Severe mood swings or changes in behavior when not drinking.
• Shakiness, tremors, nausea, anxiety or seizures after stopping drinking.

The more symptoms present, the more urgent the need for treatment intervention. Left unchecked, alcoholism invariably worsens over time.

Treatments and Resources for Alcoholism

While alcoholism cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed to achieve sobriety and recovery. Many options are available:

• Detoxification - Medically monitored inpatient detox to safely manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Rehab programs - Short or long-term residential rehab providing counseling, therapy, skills training and recovery support.
• Medications - Prescription medications like naltrexone and acamprosate to reduce alcohol cravings.
• Support groups - 12-step programs, group therapy and other recovery support services.
• Counseling - Individual counseling focused on managing alcoholism and co-occurring mental health issues.
• Relapse prevention - Developing coping skills and a sober support system.

Recovering from alcoholism is a lifelong process, but many solid resources provide help and hope. Treatment coupled with lifestyle changes can enable alcoholics to gain control of their drinking, restore health and lead a full life in recovery.

Alcoholism Impacts Health, Family, Work and Finances

Alcoholism is widely recognized as a chronic and progressive disease that wrecks physical and emotional health, damages family bonds, impedes work performance, and drains finances. The ripple effects of alcoholism on loved ones and society are also profound.

Health Consequences of Alcoholism

Years of heavy drinking tax nearly every organ system, causing an array of medical complications:

• Liver disease - fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis.
• Digestive problems - pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcers.
• Cardiovascular disease - heart failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke.
• Neurological disorders - dementia, neuropathy, seizures.
• Psychiatric issues - depression, anxiety, psychosis.
• Cancer - liver, mouth, throat, breast, colon.
• Weakened immune system.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Bone loss (osteoporosis).
• Severe vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
• Sleep disorders.

Heavy drinking also interferes with managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Those with alcoholism have higher healthcare costs and are more likely to be hospitalized.

Impact of Alcoholism on Family and Relationships

Families affected by alcoholism commonly experience:

• Financial problems - unemployment, reckless spending, debt.
• Conflicts over drinking - arguments, violence, divorce.
• Broken trust.
• Isolation from friends and social supports.
• Parental neglect of children.
• Role reversal - children caretakers of parents.
• Domestic abuse - verbal, emotional, physical, sexual.

The dynamic changes dramatically as the family organizes around the alcoholic. Loved ones take on specific roles that enable drinking behaviors.

Effect of Alcoholism on Work

Many alcoholics experience severe employment problems such as:

• Poor performance.
• Careless mistakes.
• Calling in sick.
• Showing up late or leaving early.
• Safety violations.
• Drinking before or during work.

Unemployment rates are significantly higher among those dependent on alcohol. Getting or keeping a job becomes difficult since alcohol is the priority over responsibilities.

Financial Toll of Alcoholism

Excessive drinking takes a huge toll financially by:

• Causing health problems requiring medical care.
• Missing work days - lost wages.
• Job loss.
• Drinking a substantial portion of income.
• Impaired thinking leads to poor financial decisions.
• Legal fees for DUIs or

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.