How is alcoholism a disease?

Question

I understand why it is a disease, but from a medical standpoint, how does the uncontrollable addiction occour?

Answer 1

The Disease theory of alcoholism states that alcoholism, or problem drinking, is in some cases the result of an underlying disease. Outside the medical community, there is considerable debate over whether or not alcoholism should be considered a disease. Proponents argue that genetic, neurological and behavioral studies distinguish those with alcohol dependence from other problem drinkers. Opponents cite the inability to pin down the behavioral issues to a physical cause as a reason for avoiding classification.

Most medical clinicians consider alcoholism an addiction and a disease influenced by genetic, psychological, and social factors and characterized by compulsive drinking with impaired control and preoccupation with and use of alcohol despite adverse consequences. However, the disease theory is still controversial among the public at large. US Supreme Court decisions, books, and scientific journal articles demonstrate this lack of consensus

Answer 2

The cause of substance abuse(alcohol) and dependence are the combination of biological,psychological and social factors. Developing a tolerance, needing increased amounts of alcohol to gain the desired effect or experiencing a diminished effect using the same amount . For example, a person might have to drink an entire 6-pack to get the same effect formerly experienced after drinking just 1 or 2 beers.Another symptom would be having problems occur if they try to stop drinking. withdrawal symptoms can be anxiety, convulsions,or hallucinations.Using alcohol for longer periods of time and in greater quantities than intended. Also continuing to use alcohol in the face of on going problems caused or made worse by using alcohol.Tolerance varies for each individual. Some may consume alcohol for years socially before abusing alcohol, others may become addicted in a matter of one year.

Answer 3

There are several valid possibilities:

Hereditary - If your immediate family member(s) are alcoholics, there's a strong possibility you can be because of early exposure and access.

Biological - There is a certain chemical reaction in your brain when you drink that fits in your brain like a puzzle piece and causes you to become addicted as opposed to avoid alcohol.

Psychological - Some people start drinking to escape negative or difficult situations in their lives. If this is done over a long enough period of time, the body eventually becomes physically addicted and "needs" alcohol to function.

It can be one or all of these possibilities. In some cases something different all together. Infants born to alcoholic mothers suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and have to be given medications to counteract the effects. It really requires individual determination due to personal history.

Answer 4

just like anorexia and bulimia, its an uncontrollable addiction

And its considered a disease because its a mental issue.
Your addicted mentally. Its not like you need to drink it to live. And with addictions you cant just stop without any problems afterward. Plus like a disease it never really goes away completely. You will always live with the need to throw up after eating or not eat over 500 calories a Day OR get in a depressed mood without picking up a bottle.

Answer 5

It's not only a mental addiction but a physical one also. It damages every organ in the body including the brain.

If an alcoholic goes without a drink, they will have tremors, profuse sweating, headache, stomach ache, and vomiting.

Sounds like a disease process to me.

But it is one that you can control just like smoking and drug addiction. The only way you will catch those diseases are if you start them unlike other disease processes.

Answer 6

That is an awesome question. I am not a doctor or anything but I am a recovering alcoholic and I have been curious about this for some time.

From what I know they really don't have any information on alcoholism they just try to come up with things that will curb the obsession.

Answer 7

It's not a disease. It's a freakin excuse for those unwilling to accept blame for their own actions. A disease doesn't make you pick up a damn alcoholic beverage and drink it...give me a break. The medical profession will call it whatever it takes to make money from it. It's all bull crap

Answer 8

it is a drug just like any drug and as addiccting as drugs can be i think a person who wants to truelly quit can if they get help they need to do so. i also do not see how it can be a disease

Answer 9

it hel[ps alcoholics deal with it.