Isn't alcoholism just an addiction?

Question

Aren't they sugar-coating it when they call it a disease or a condition? How is it any different than other addictions (heroin, nicotine, meth, whatever) except that it is so common/popular? I'm writing a research essay on the topic, so any credible source material would be fantastic.

Answer 1

Alcoholism is more than just an addiction; it has been qualified and listed as a mental disease in the DSM-III-R (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Alcoholism is not a moral disease involving lack of will power, although the disease process does involve immoral, irrational, and even criminal behaviors.
It has often been called the disease of "denial" since this coping mechanism becomes the over-riding and preferred coping mechanism for the brain to engage to solve all one's problems. When one no longer can think with reason or rationally problem solve and misuses a coping mechanism that further deters the rational, reasoning processes, we tend to call that mentally unstable or disturbed. Alcohol has become the agent to a deter the well being and stability of the person trying to effectively problem-solve. Denial is only one of many coping mechanisms used by us to cope with the world. It should not become the major, over-riding process to base all of our decision-making processes upon.
Alcoholism is a brain bio-chemistry alteration that first creates a tolerance to the substance with a psychological need component. Then comes the bio-chemical brain alteration that produces a physical need for the substance, a dependence upon alcohol to continue physically coping with the world. The brain becomes "lazy", so to speak. It uses the quickly metabolized alcohol instead of doing the hard work of producing the good brain chemistry needed to make wise decisions. It now prefers the substitute, alcohol, to the hard work of producing and distributing the real brain chemistry. The brain fools itself into thinking that this is economical brain chemistry. It asks: Why manufacture this chemistry when I can get it already manufactured? Then all I have to do is quickly metabolize and distribute! The brain, in this altered state, needs the metabilized alcohol to slip into receptors that trigger the coping mechanism the mind now prefers. The brain now calls for this substance whenever it must cope with feelings and situations.
This is a very complicated, complex disease and my overview is very, very simplified. Also,there are several different types of alcoholism. Not everyone has the ability to become an alcoholic either, even if they abuse alcohol for years and years. A few people are born with the disease already in progress. Genetics can play a part in this disease. Hope this helps as I feel that the general public is still kept in the dark about this disease process and how to help people who are in the downward spiral of alcoholism.

Answer 2

I remember doing a research essay on Sigmund Freud . A few years later I was seriously depressed even had total disassociation of ideas and was psychotically ill. It was still years later before I understood how accurate Freud was. He wrote for the experienced in the field ie. the professionals or those who were recovering from depressions disorders. Alcoholism is a symptom of a disorder behind it . There is no disease until much later when the body can't endure the mild poison. I am sure some enjoy the feeling of the chemical and the parties at first. If you can get into an AA meeting on pal talk chat rooms you will see how that religion is used to assist recovery. Man has for years used smoking and drinking and other products to reduce the effects of stress and depression. I use my oven at home that burns propane. After a mild buzz I remember so little.

Answer 3

Alcoholism is a disease that causes addiction. A person can become dependant on alcohol in two ways psychological and physical. With psychological the alcoholic believes they deserve the drink cuz they had a bad day or what ever. With physical there becomes a time where the alcoholic can not function without it because the brains chemicals become unbalanced. It is called a disease because if the body is denied the alcohol and severe withdrawl occurs a person could die.

Answer 4

no alcohol and drug addiction are a progressive disease.the sugar coating you are talking about,is the romantic period with a controlled substance.at first you feel your in control,then like a theif in the night,it slowly permeates into every part of you being,to the point that you cant function (normally) without it.at this point your body goes into a very hard cycle(withdrawl)at this stage the user has become addicted.Far from recreational abuse,and it now has chemically altered the neurons and pleasure centers of the brain.(this can even cause physical pain when you dont use any of the substances) I lived in the age when drugs and booze was the cool thing to do,I used meth for 20 years off and on,weed,and other stimulants and I wouldnt wish it upon anyone.I was different than most addicts though,I was rewarded for my ability to have extra stamina,to go beyond normal fatigue.it was easy,i made employee of the month a few times,got raises etc.the minute i decided to stop,let myself get caught,and fail a test(that was easy to beat) I lost everything,it cost me @ $4000.00 to get me in rehab,get my saftey sensitive status back on my CDL,1 year of minimum wage jobs,and I was livin and feeding my household on about an average of $40.00 a week i could spend,so in short I would say it was both and hope you never ever have to walk in my shoes

Answer 5

It's a disease because they say so in the DSM
Since alcoholism runs in familys they have linked it to heredity.
I believe addictions are a disease because generaly people who become addicts have an addictive personality, not all of course but some and that is enough to realise that they do not have the coping skills that others are born with.
I dont have the answers I just have more questions but im ok with that.

Answer 6

Alcoholism is a disease, and so is addiction, you either have it or you don't. There is a physical alergy, and a mental obsession. There is no difference between an addict and an alcohol, being that alcohol is considered a drug. Furthermore, the disease lies also in those who we call compusive eaters, or gamblers, but it is just that ...a disease.
Good luck with your essay, and may all your research be through reference and poll, rather than experience.

Answer 7

Those who call it a "disease" are the same people who fail to admit they have a problem. IT IS AN ADDICTION and any other name is an excuse for facing their problem. They have the choice and control to pick up a drink or to not pick up a drink. This disease excuse is a bunch of crap. People need to take blame for their own actions. We're human..confront the problem and resolve it. SIMPLE.

Answer 8

The propensity for the difficulty is inherited, a minimum of in alcoholism. That makes it if no longer a ailment of project to wellness. I even have seen it first hand in my kinfolk. My dad replaced right into a improving alcoholic. He have been given recommend while he drank. One brother has this reaction as nicely as does his son. For the rest human beings it is not a difficulty. without medical care and or intervention this difficulty reasons very lots of soreness and suffering for all in contact. playstation How ought to every physique Tdown Sally? You rock woman!

Answer 9

Actually it is a disease.It is also inherited.Yes it is an addiction to this a very sticky situation.I know that if alcoholism runs in your family and you start drinking to have a very good chance of becoming an alcoholic

Answer 10

its an addiction and a disease. some people never trigger to the point of realised addiction.

i suggest you attend a couple open AA meetings.