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Alcoholism as a Disease, Not a Weakness
By David Chandler
Alcoholism is a disease in which drinkers have lost the ability to
control their drinking, leading to physical and mental harm and loss
of ability to behave in a socially acceptable manner. Alcoholism is a
chronic, progressive, pathological condition that affects the
nervous and digestive system, caused by the inability to stop
drinking despite adverse consequences such as loss of job, family,
and health. The disease is potentially fatal, however the most
disturbing and debilitating part of alcoholism is the loss of self-
respect, the possible job loss, and the toll it takes on the alcoholics
family. There is also indication that there may be a genetic
component with alcoholism.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence defines
alcoholism as characterized by ˇ°impaired control over dinkingˇand
distortions in thinking, most notably denial.ˇ± This means that for
many alcoholics, they are unable to make a decision to stop
drinking without the help of others.
Symptoms of the disease include but are not limited to sneaking
drinks, lying about the amount consumed, irritability when alcohol
is not available, mood swings, loss of appetite, a puffiness of the
face, job loss and a high number of traffic tickets.
Family members need to develop an awareness of the disease and
talk with the alcoholic. Most alcoholics are in denial and talking to
the person about their disease can be very difficult. Choose a time
when the person is sober. In addition, talking to the person after
an alcoholic problem as occurred, such as a family argument, or a
drunken driving ticket, for example, may be a good time to talk.
Unfortunately waiting for a problem to occur from alcoholic
behaviors can have serious consequences.
Family members coping with an alcoholic or addict can cause a
great deal of stress in the family life. Therefore, there are support
groups for Al-Alteen for children and teenagers. Al-Anon is for the
spouse or loved one that has to cope with an alcoholic. These
groups teach family members on how to cope with the alcoholic
and process their emotions.
There are studies that want you to believe that alcoholism is not a
disease. They are wrong. Alcoholism is a disease and while there
is no cure, it is treatable. If it were not a disease, insurance
companies would not pay for treatment.
About the Author
For more information, visit: http://www.AlcoholismInfoCenter.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/7555.html
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| Some other articles by David Chandler | |
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