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Understanding Alcoholism and Addiction
What Alcoholism Is and Is Not
The first step in understanding alcoholism is the formulation of a
good factual concept of what alcoholism "is." The second step in
understanding alcoholism is the development of a good factual concept
of what the disease "is not." Alcoholism has clear, definable
symptoms, like other diseases. Alcoholism can be diagnosed accurately
and its progression can be predicted. Most importantly, the alcoholic
can be successfully treated and rehabilitated.
In order to enhance our understanding of alcoholism, and to help in
formulating a working model of its problems, please consider the
following in your concept of WHAT ALCOHOLISM IS and WHAT
ALCOHOLISM IS NOT.
Alcoholism IS an identifiable biochemical disease, like
diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, or heart disease. It IS NOT an
illness like a headache, upset stomach, or just having too much to
drink.
Alcoholism IS a disease that tends to create and magnify social
and emotional problems rather than a disease that is caused by them.
It IS NOT caused by nagging spouses, self-pity, guilt, or
debts; nor is it caused by bad nerves or personality disorders.
Alcoholism IS a chronic, progressive disease process that can
be divided into a contact phase, a prodromal phase, an acute phase,
and a chronic phase. It IS NOT just getting into fights,
causing traffic accidents, getting arrested, cirrhosis of the liver,
lack of will power, or a disease that can be cured by just quitting
drinking.
Alcoholism IS characterized by "loss of control" over the
amount of alcohol consumed, at least some of the time. It IS NOT
drinking all the time. Alcoholics may abstain from drinking for weeks,
months, years, or for the remainder of their life. This "loss of
control" is reactivated only when drinking is resumed.
Alcoholism IS a chemical, physical addiction to alcohol. Why a
person drinks has nothing to do with their being an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is caused by a genetically inherited susceptibility in the
body chemistry and by drinking alcohol.
Alcoholism IS treatable and alcoholics can live full,
productive lives without ever drinking again. It CANNOT be
cured, and the susceptible system is always there. Alcoholics are
NOT able to return to social drinking, regardless of length or
quality of sobriety, as a single drink will trigger the addictive
pathway again.
Some people MAY develop alcoholism in only 3 to 5 years of
average drinking, while others may take 20 to 30 years to develop the
disease. Some people drink alcoholically from the very first drink.
Alcoholism results from drinking alcohol and from having a biochemical
susceptibility in adapting to alcohol.
The alcoholic WILL experience discomfort, irritability, and
sometimes excruciating pain when the alcohol content in his blood
falls below the amount required to give him the feeling or effect that
he strives to maintain. He finds it more difficult to sober up once he
starts drinking. The non-alcoholic DOES NOT get drunk
frequently. He can sober up without the chemical demand for more
alcohol, as experienced by the alcoholic.
The alcoholic WILL experience periodic demands (flare-ups) for
alcohol after he stops drinking. Sometimes these demands appear so
overpowering that he starts drinking again despite his determination
to remain sober. The alcoholic DOES NOT require any type of
family, job, financial, or emotional problem to experience this
flare-up of demand for alcohol. Usually the build-up of the demand for
alcohol produces tenseness, irritability, irrational behavior, and an
intense appetite for alcohol.
During the early phase of alcoholism, the alcoholic DOES
develop "an increase in tolerance." This may take up to ten or twelve
beers, etc., to produce. Non-alcoholics DO NOT require more
alcohol to produce the same effect, even after years of social
drinking.
Alcoholism has NO social boundaries such as status, race,
religion, or sex. Less than 3% of all alcoholics are on skid road.
In most cases, it IS best to work through the family to get the
alcoholic into treatment or to recognize his/her problem.
A person CAN be responsible on the job or drink only
periodically and still be alcoholic. They DO NOT have to be a
daily drinker or morning drinker.
Alcoholism IS a progressive disease and may be treated at any
age. A person DOES NOT have to "hit bottom" (losing job,
family, etc.) before seeking help.
An alcoholic SHOULD BE shown empathy and understanding, not
sympathy.
According to the American Medical Association, alcoholism IS
the third largest health problem in the United States.
An alcoholic CANNOT take any mood-altering drugs, including
marijuana, without adverse effects. Alcoholics are susceptible to
dependence to all mind and mood-altering chemicals.
Alcoholics Anonymous IS the most effective recovery program for
alcoholics. Alcoholics need to remain involved with A.A. after the
initial treatment process.
Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers. (800) 231-4303.
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