Alcoholism, clinically known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic and often progressive condition characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences. This disorder not only affects the individual but also impacts families, communities, and society as a whole. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines alcoholism as a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that leads to significant impairment or distress.

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To conquer their addiction and achieve long-term recovery, persons who struggle with alcohol misuse must seek therapy and assistance. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Managing this condition effectively often involves a combination of medical intervention, psychological support, and lifestyle changes. Understanding the various treatment options available can empower individuals and their families to make informed decisions on the path to recovery. If you have close family members https://ecosoberhouse.com/ who struggle with alcohol addiction, you are at higher risk.

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The relationship between these conditions is complex and often referred to as a dual diagnosis. The definition of chronic disease is a thing that persists over a long period of time and requires ongoing management; alcoholism can be categorized as such. Alcoholism is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time without proper treatment. It is also a relapsing disease, which means that even if an individual stops drinking for a period of time, they may still struggle with cravings and potentially relapse back into unhealthy drinking.

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• Alcohol addiction may include periods of intoxication that result from an increase in how much alcohol you have in your bloodstream.
• Finally, all of the studies focused on patients who had completed the initial stage of treatment before entering continuing care.
• It’s also used to describe drinkers who are not addicted or dependent but tend to experience problems involving alcohol.
• People struggling with AUD may experience social isolation as their drinking behavior takes over relationships and social activities.

Mental and emotional symptoms occur long before physical symptoms appear. If behavioral or mental symptoms aren’t appropriately treated, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to physical complications such as cirrhosis of the liver, chronic brain deterioration and, the most serious consequence of all, death. The disease theory of alcoholism never explains how or why people are alcoholic. Instead, it says that they drink compulsively because why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease they have a compulsion. It then uses the religion or spirituality of disease theory 12-step programs as a treatment.

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We encourage spiritual development through 12-step programs and mindfulness practices. Connecting with something greater than yourself provides strength and purpose. Chronic heavy alcohol use is also linked to digestive problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, immune system issues, and greater susceptibility to pneumonia or tuberculosis. It can also lead to permanent brain damage, resulting in dementia, memory loss, and impaired motor functioning. Alcohol is a known carcinogen, and long-term use increases the risk of several types of cancer, like head and neck, esophageal, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. Chronic alcohol use is a major cause of heart disease, like high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), and even heart failure.

This neuroinflammation is linked to a variety of neurological disorders and can perpetuate the cycle of addiction by Alcoholics Anonymous impairing brain regions involved in reward and motivation. Neurotransmitter DisruptionOne of the primary ways alcoholism affects the brain is through the disruption of neurotransmitters. Alcohol consumption alters the balance of chemicals that facilitate communication between neurons. For instance, alcohol increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that produces calming effects, while simultaneously inhibiting glutamate, which is responsible for excitatory signals.

As with other chronic diseases, like diabetes or arthritis, no known cure exists for alcoholism. With alcoholism, the brain’s neurotransmitters affecting stimulation and pleasure are dysfunctional. Although medical professionals can rebalance these neurotransmitters with time and effort, the neural pathways created during heavy drinking remain. This is why relapse presents a lifelong danger to the recovering alcoholic. Like many other substance use disorders, alcohol use disorder is a chronic and sometimes relapsing condition that reflects changes in the brain.

Understanding this condition requires a comprehensive look at its symptoms, causes, and effects. When people need help to stop drinking, they must have a personalized treatment plan that reflects their needs for specific therapy types for trauma, depression, anxiety, or other emotional or mental health disorders. Evoke Wellness at Miramar provides cutting-edge, evidence-based forms of treatment, such as alcohol detox, that are proven to keep someone sober and happily alcohol-free.