Why Is Alcoholism Considered a Chronic Disease?

As a result, they reached a consensus to define “alcoholism” as a primary and chronic illness, influenced by genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. It is distinguished by lack of control over drinking, an obsession with alcohol, continued use despite harmful effects, and flawed thinking patterns, particularly denial. Although alcohol dependency can’t be cured conventionally, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment and support. With therapy, medications, support groups, and lifestyle changes, many people with alcohol use disorder can achieve long-term sobriety and lead fulfilling lives.

Treatment should focus on both preventing relapse and managing withdrawal symptoms to ensure a successful recovery. 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. Alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious medical problem where individuals struggle to control their drinking despite its harmful effects on their lives. Imagine feeling unable to say ‘no’ to alcohol, even when it jeopardizes your health, job, or relationships. This challenge arises from alcohol’s profound impact on the brain, making it very difficult to escape its hold.

Each of your answers will be scored between 0 and 4, and if you score 20 or more points then you will likely be diagnosed with an alcohol addiction. More research is needed to determine exactly why this is, but it is thought that certain genes are passed down through generations which can make you more susceptible to developing an addiction. Someone who has experienced a traumatic event such as a sexual assault, death of a loved one, terrorist attack or childhood trauma is more susceptible to developing an addiction. Some studies have found that certain genes can be passed down through generations of family members, making them more predisposed to developing an addiction.

What makes Yale Medicine’s approach to alcohol use disorder unique?

In addition, years of alcohol abuse take a major psychological and social toll through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and difficulties at work or school. Over 130,000 people in the UK entered drug and alcohol treatment between 2020 and 2021, and many of them will go on to live happy and healthy lives free from addiction. A professional diagnosis can be extremely helpful in allowing you to access the support that you need to recover from alcohol addiction, including financial assistance. There is no one cause of alcohol addiction, and it is often a series of factors that combine to create the perfect breeding ground for an addiction to develop. Early intervention is crucial as it can prevent the progression of alcoholism, reduce the risk of long-term health complications, and improve the chances of successful recovery.

Why Early Intervention Is Important in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder?

But you might know what it really means or which types of illnesses it refers to. Chronic Diseases are the leading drivers of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care costs. Our team can help you determine if your addiction treatment at Evoke Wellness could be at little to no-cost to you.

• As a result, they reached a consensus to define “alcoholism” as a primary and chronic illness, influenced by genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors.
• As we age, we also produce less of a critical enzyme that breaks down alcohol which can elevate blood alcohol levels in older adults.
• Tolerance occurs when the body adapts to the presence of alcohol, requiring greater amounts to achieve the same effect.
• Many prescription medications and over the counter drugs can interact negatively with even small amounts of alcohol and put you at risk of serious heath problems.

Alcohol Addiction

• By addressing the thoughts and emotions that lead to alcohol abuse, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Heavy drinking has also been linked to several cancers, including esophagus, breast, liver and colon cancer.
• You can also speak to your doctor and ask for a diagnosis and a referral to a rehab clinic or treatment programme.
• Their goal is to provide a source of support and community for those in recovery, creating a space where experiences and challenges can be shared openly and without judgment.

Environmental factors, like growing up around heavy alcohol use, also increase the chance of alcoholism. A history of trauma, abuse, or mental health issues can contribute to the risk. 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. As the addiction progresses, individuals may find themselves grappling with additional mental health conditions. The presence of co-occurring disorders complicates the recovery process, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses both the addiction and the accompanying mental health issues.

Relapse and Remission

These therapies target changing drinking behaviors, addressing underlying psychological factors, and developing coping strategies to prevent relapse. Alcoholism is considered a chronic disease like other chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and others. Alcoholism has no cure, and it can get worse or improve and carries a risk of relapse. For many people with alcoholism, abstinence from alcohol is the only way to manage their condition.

• The problem is the alcoholic’s mental obsession with alcohol is much more subtle than a song playing in one’s mind.
• Loss – including the loss of a loved one, a job, good health, mobility, or the family home – can cause strong emotions that may lead to increased alcohol use as a way of coping.
• Treatment approaches that consider alcoholism as a chronic disease focus on long-term management, ongoing support, and relapse prevention strategies.
• This broad category of alcohol consumption comprises a continuum of drinking habits including at-risk drinking, binge drinking, and AUD.
• If the addictive substance is discontinued, withdrawal symptoms typically occur.

However, some people may be able to drink in moderation after a period of abstinence and successful treatment. It’s important for each individual to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine what is best for them. Alcoholism is widely recognized as a chronic disease, which means it is characterized by long-lasting and persistent symptoms. Several factors contribute to the chronicity of alcoholism, including biological, psychological, and social factors. It is important to recognize that recovery from alcoholism is not a linear process.

While drinking alcohol may feel harmless at this stage, repeated alcohol consumption helps build tolerance to its effects. 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 diagnosis to support effective addiction recovery. Take the first step toward addiction treatment and long-term recovery, and contact NUMA Recovery Centers today.

Withdrawal and Relapse

When you have a chronic condition, Dr. Horrigan suggests staying positive and learning about the illness and what you can do to feel well and prevent future complications. Many cardiovascular conditions are chronic—for example, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and arrhythmia, Dr. Prabhu says. 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. Alcohol use disorder is a serious chronic condition affecting about 28.8 million adults ages 18 and older in the US.This disorder leads to negative behavioral changes and even death in some cases. If you have a loved one dealing with alcoholism, you are not alone; there is hope for a brighter future.

• It is through early intervention, tailored treatment options, and ongoing recovery support that individuals can reclaim their lives from the clutches of this progressive disease.
• This dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person tries to quit drinking, which can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases.
• She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Is Alcoholism a Chronic, Progressive Disease? Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Certain genetic variations may make some individuals more vulnerable to alcohol addiction. What sets alcoholism apart from other health conditions is its chronic nature. Alcoholism is a long-term condition that often persists throughout a person’s lifetime.

The progression of alcoholism is often marked by a bio-psycho-social spiral of decline, where each aspect of a person’s life feeds into and exacerbates the other. Biologically, the body adapts to the presence of alcohol, leading to increased tolerance and the need for more alcohol to achieve the same effects. Psychologically, the individual may experience heightened anxiety, depression, alcoholism treatment or other mental health issues as a result of chronic alcohol use. The journey from alcohol abuse to dependence is a subtle yet perilous one. It often begins with increased frequency and quantity of drinking, leading to a higher tolerance. As tolerance builds, the individual may consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects, which can quickly spiral into a pattern of dependence.

Once a person builds tolerance for alcohol, they will need more alcohol to feel the same rewarding effects, which leads to dependence and habit formation. A person consumes more alcohol than is necessary, without regard for one’s safety or consequences. According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinkers usually have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.