Factors, Symptoms and Treatment of Alcoholism Essay

Alcoholism is a chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. The disease is often progressive and fatal if left untreated. It is characterized by impaired control over alcohol use despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking. There are critics who disagree with calling Alcoholism a disease despite the definition on the word disease which means an involuntary disability but the fact that alcoholism is a disease is widely accepted within the medical and scientific communities. Alcoholism is a disease of the brain which acts as a depressant on the central nervous system which causes dependence and the need for higher quantities of alcohol to achieve intoxication. In a review in 2001, a compared†¦show more content†¦Psychological factors exist as well. Having low self esteem or suffering from depression may lead to alcoholism. Having high levels of stress (anxiety) or emotional pain can lead to some people drinking alcohol to block out the turmoil. Certain stress hormones or lack of the properly developed coping mechanism has been associated with alcoholism. Another factor that exists is social and cultural factors. The glamorous want that drinking alcohol is portrayed in advertising and in the entertainment media sends many people messages that it’s ok to drink excessively. Signs/Symptoms Now how do you know if you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, how do you spot the signs? These days it is socially acceptable to drink, most social event have alcohol present and most of the time you may hear people say things like lets meet up for drinks after work or we will discuss over drinks. The difference between social drinking and alcoholism is when alcohol becomes your main focus. You may choose to only attend social events that serve alcohol, or you look forward to having a drink after work rather that spending time with friends or family. Drinking becomes a problem when a person drinks too much on a regular basis and they can sometime show some sort of control such as only drinking on the weekend, this is called binge drink ing when you consume large amountsShow MoreRelatedEssay on Alcoholism1274 Words   |  6 Pages What is Alcoholism? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The definition of alcoholism can be described as a chronic illness, which is marked by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family or occupational responsibilities. This dependence on alcohol has only been diagnosed as a medical disorder recently in the medical field. 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