Is Alcoholism a Chronic Progressive Disease?

At Midwest Recovery Centers, we dedicate ourselves to supporting clients in overcoming this addiction…. Veterans must use their benefits within 10 years of leaving the military unless granted an extension because “a physical or mental disorder that was not the result of their own willful misconduct” prevented them from using it. In Traynor v. Turnage, two veterans sued saying the VA regulation violated the Rehabilitation Act after the VA defined alcoholism as willful misconduct.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change patterns of thoughts related to drinking.
• This is how one builds a tolerance to alcohol, which causes people to consume larger amounts to feel the same euphoria they once did.
• Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play a crucial role in treating alcohol addiction.
• 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 article explores the stages, symptoms, and options available for treating alcohol use disorders.

The Dangers of Delayed Intervention

Alcoholism is a complex and progressive disease that can quietly seep into an why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease individual’s life, often going unnoticed until it has caused significant damage. This article delves into the stages of alcoholism, illustrating how it evolves from early warning signs to a chronic, life-altering addiction. We explore why alcoholism escalates without intervention, the critical role of early detection and treatment, and the importance of overcoming stigma to seek help. By understanding the treacherous path of alcoholism, individuals and their loved ones can navigate these waters with greater awareness and hope for recovery. AUD is a brain disorder and disease that occurs when people cannot stop or control their drinking despite adverse effects on relationships, work or school, finances, and overall health.

• It is essential to understand that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of alcoholism, but they significantly increase the likelihood.
• Treatment offering the greatest potential for successful recovery includes behavioral therapies, medication, a 12-step support system, and family support.
• At this stage, free will is not involved, because the sufferer has lost the power of choice over alcohol.

Chronic Phase: The Pinnacle of Addiction

Medical professionals can address co-occurring disorders through early diagnosis; effective substance abuse treatment supports both mental and physical health, which improves overall recovery. Preventative strategies and education are crucial in mitigating the risks of alcoholism. Education on the dangers of excessive drinking and the benefits of moderation can empower individuals to make informed choices.

• All they know is there is a sudden urge for a drink, a physical compulsion.
• When the drinking “song” starts playing in the mind of an alcoholic, they are powerless.
• They offer immediate care and equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to remain sober once you have left the program.
• But for people who have chronic, progressive diseases such as alcoholism, the focus is reducing distress and increasing resilience to prevent continued harm.
• At Midwest Recovery Centers, we dedicate ourselves to supporting clients in overcoming this addiction….

Who is at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder?

• Alcoholics build such a tolerance that they are no longer able to reach the high they once did, however, the lows they experience when not drinking become lower and lower.
• Somewhere down the road, the only time the song stops is when the person is passed out.
• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) describes it as a “chronic brain condition” ranging from mild to severe.
• If you think you might have an alcohol use disorder or if you are worried that your alcohol consumption has become problematic, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss your treatment options.
• Alcoholism is a complex and progressive disease that can quietly seep into an individual’s life, often going unnoticed until it has caused significant damage.
• A healthcare provider can evaluate the AUD severity and its health impacts, refer you to specialists, and determine the appropriate treatment.

Despite this, less than half of the US public is aware of any alcohol-cancer connection. Changing the labels as suggested by the Surgeon General will require congressional action that may never happen. Studies at the National Institutes of Health claim alcoholism is 50% genetic. The same can be said for a condition like heart disease; some people are genetically predisposed to factors that increase their risk. “The AMA endorses the proposition that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases and that their treatment is a legitimate Halfway house part of medical practice.” According to the latest scientific research, both genetic and environmental mechanisms play a role in the development of alcoholism within an individual.

Substance Abuse Treatments

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards helping someone get the support they need. The longer alcoholism remains unaddressed, the more entrenched it becomes, making recovery a more arduous journey. It is essential to understand that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of alcoholism, but they significantly increase the likelihood. Knowing that others are going https://ecosoberhouse.com/ through what you are can help with the loneliness and stigma and support you when you’re struggling. By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers.

Other AMA guidance in court rulings

However, as it is a disease, you will most likely need many resources to remain in recovery. AA creates support and a safe place to discuss your current and past struggles with addiction and allows members to join meetings both online and in person, making AA an extremely accessible resource. Already trusted by treatment professionals, Soberlink’s device is an excellent tool to practice accountability and rebuild trust in past relationships, resulting in improved outcomes and a higher chance of recovery. Additionally, specialized therapists can give you individualized tools to utilize in your everyday life to help manage AUD that may be hard to find elsewhere.