Is alcoholism actually a disease, or is it a symptom of anjother disease?
2007-05-19 21:31:44 · 9 answers · asked by outtahere4ever 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
In the current medical climate, alcoholism is formally considered a disease. This is, in part, because the medical community recognizes that there are neurochemical patterns consistent among people who have addictions. Also, the tendency toward addiction appears to run in families - in part due to genetics, in part to due the environment a child of an addict is exposed to. Also, I personally believe alcoholism was given the designation of a "disease" to help remove the moral stigmatism that comes with it.
It is important to distinguish between dependency and addiction. Dependency is what happens when your body becomes physically dependent on a medication/drug - so that you need the drug in order to be able to function and complete your activities of daily living.
Addiction is dependency with addictive behaviors - like lying to your doctor about losing your prescription, stealing to buy drugs, emotionally craving the medication/drug.
I have a hard time not applying at least some morality to the disease. Certainly, there are some people who are more likely to develop addiction that others. And certainly, all people deserve to be treated with respect. But to say that there is no morality here? When addiction is frequently accompanied by behaviors damaging to ones self and others - like stealing and lying? Driving drunk? Those are all choices. I just don't know.
2007-05-21 08:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by Wondering 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not been affected by alcoholism, but was married to someone who was addicted to METH. I didn't do a very good job handling the roller coaster ride, but it did always help to find someone to talk to. Sometimes he would say and do things i KNEW he would never have done sober, and it was a scary thing. It was very stressing to have to wonder what kind of mood he was going to be in in another 20 minutes. Sometimes I would work 7 days a week, 10-12 hour days just to keep from having to go home and deal with it. At first, when he was sober he was just like the man i fell in love with. But after a while, it got to the point he would do anything for that next high. The best advice i can give you is TRY to get whomever is addicted to the alcohol some professional help, and don't blame yourself if things don't get better. Sometimes there is not much you can do but appear to be standing strong. God bless you. I hope everything works out.
2016-05-21 23:11:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholism is a disease as are other addictions. There may be some people who suffer with multiple diagnoses including depression and addiction. One thing is clear, addiction of any kind is not a moral choice made by someone.
2007-05-20 14:47:04 · answer #3 · answered by Gene Guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholism is a disease that can lead to other diseases and/or syndromes such as hepatic cirrhosis
2007-05-19 21:41:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Addiction is a disease. It is even inherited. But modern treatment methods are effectve.
2007-05-19 22:16:11 · answer #5 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it becomes a disease if it is already in your system and finds very difficulty to get away from it.
2007-05-19 22:22:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
addiction and chemical dependancy is medically considered a disease but it is obviously preventable.
2007-05-19 21:35:31 · answer #7 · answered by Aleks 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In most, it is hereditary illness. In other cases, it may be used to mask depression or other symptoms.
2007-05-20 01:05:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
genetics with lead to alcoholism so, it is technically a condition
2007-05-19 22:15:41 · answer #9 · answered by Kuan T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋