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A chronic disease is a why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured. In general, a condition is considered chronic if it lasts for one year or longer and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily activities or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

The Concept of Chronicity in Disease

Alcoholics in recovery either stop alcohol use altogether or may engage in casual drinking https://besttoppers.com/beer-and-dehydration-understanding-the-pint-s/ on occasion without falling into old habits. Treatment for alcohol addiction from medical professionals leads to the highest percentage of recovery success stories. You need a controlled environment with compassionate staff members to help you take control of your alcohol use. You start to sneak drinking as you hide your problem from people who care about you. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms hit you harder when you don’t have something, such as becoming agitated and experiencing tremors.

How Alcoholism Affects the Brain: Insights into Its Chronic Nature

Environmental influences, such as peer pressure and cultural attitudes toward drinking, also play a significant role in the development of AUD. In summary, alcoholism is considered a chronic disease due to the long-term changes it can cause in the brain, genetic and environmental factors that can contribute to its development, and the severity of Alcohol Use Disorder withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek professional help to manage the condition and prevent relapse. Treating alcoholism as a chronic disease involves acknowledging that it is a condition that requires ongoing management and support. This perspective shifts the focus from short-term solutions to long-term strategies for recovery.

• It can lead to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and increased crime rates.
• She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.
• This isolation can worsen feelings of shame and reinforce the stigma surrounding alcohol dependency.

Achieve lasting recovery

However, a re-analysis of the data from this study did show that naltrexone led to better alcohol use outcomes on another measure (i.e., abstinence versus consistent drinking) (Gueorguieva et al. 2007). In this study, patients receiving the higher naltrexone dose showed the greatest reduction in heavy drinking over the 6-month study period. Moreover, the efficacy of naltrexone (e.g., in number of drinking days per month) was greatest in a subgroup of patients who had had at least 4 days of voluntary abstinence before they began treatment (O’Malley et al. 2007). Thus, extended treatment with naltrexone may be most appropriate for certain patient subgroups.

• By approaching recovery from alcoholism as a chronic disease and implementing long-term management strategies, individuals can increase their chances of sustained sobriety.
• Alcohol can have detrimental effects on the body, leading to chronic diseases.
• The causes of alcoholism are multifactorial and include genetics, environmental factors, and personal characteristics.
• In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association identified substance use disorder as a primary mental health disorder and included alcoholism as a subset of personality disorders.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, while relapse can lead to further drinking and feelings of guilt and shame.
• This perspective shifts the focus from short-term solutions to long-term strategies for recovery.
• After detox, behavioral therapies and medications are used to help people maintain sobriety.
• Alcoholism is considered to be a chronic disease characterised by frequent relapses, ongoing progression if left untreated and a potential genetic predisposition.

Genetics and other factors play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder. Research has shown that a person’s risk for developing alcoholism is influenced by their family history, as well as their mental health, stress levels, and social environment. Therefore, genetics can play increase a person’s risk for developing alcohol abuse; other factors, such as mental health disorders and social stressors, can also contribute to the development of the disease. The causes of alcoholism are multifaceted, encompassing a blend of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Research indicates that individuals with a family history of alcoholism may have a higher predisposition to developing the disorder. Additionally, psychological factors such as mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, can contribute to alcohol misuse.