Why Is Alcoholism Considered A Chronic Disease?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease affecting the brain, often characterized by impulsive behavior, compulsive decision-making, and relapse. Its development and manifestation can be caused by genetic and environmental factors and cause biological changes in the brain, making it hard to abstain from drinking without the proper treatment. In the past, alcoholism as a disease was highly misunderstood. People assumed that anyone with an alcohol-use disorder chose to continue drinking. Thanks to research, today, alcohol is considered a disease. That is because it causes severe changes to the brain, preventing one from making the right decisions regarding alcohol. That is why it is regarded as a chronic disease associated with alcohol relapse.
The statistics on alcohol are quite alarming. By 2018, about 14.4 million adults were confirmed to have an alcohol disorder. With the changes that have been happening, that number has gone up significantly. Of the 14.4 million adults, less than 10% are getting help. Alcohol is not just a personal problem, but it affects families, friendships, and society. Also, addicted people are at a higher risk of suffering injuries, hurting other people, and having relationship problems.
Characteristics of a Chronic Disease
Some of the characteristics of chronic disease are as follows:
- A long-lasting illness
- Not communicable
- Does not have a vaccine
- Requires ongoing medical attention
- Caused by several factors
- Worsens without early intervention
- Leads to impaired function
Using a few of these characteristics, then alcoholism becomes a chronic disease. Experts also report that one cannot recover from alcoholism. They will always have a craving associated with the disease. Not everyone using alcohol is an alcoholic. Alcoholism becomes a disease when you lose control over it. When you are unable to stop, continue using it even when the effects are adverse, or depend on it to get by, you are considered an alcoholic.
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