Alcoholism as a Universal Affliction - Essay Example

Alcoholism Alcoholism is a universal affliction that shows no partiality towards race, nationality and gender. In the US, nearly 18 million people abuse alcohol or have become dependent on alcohol. In general, the number of men who become dependent on alcohol is more than the number of alcohol dependant women. In addition, there is a greater prevalence of Alcohol problems among people in the age group of 18 to 29 years. The people, who are more than 65 years old, are affected the least, by alcoholism. Moreover, individuals who start drinking from an early age are at greater risk of developing alcohol related problems, in comparison to those who start drinking after they are 20 years old (Nakaya A. C., 2008). Alcoholism is a chronic disease that is also known as Alcohol Dependence. The main symptoms are a craving for alcohol. Such individuals cannot control their drinking, even though it proves disastrous to their health, causes frustration and depression, and makes them prone to automobile accidents. The major causes for alcoholism have been attributed to genetics, psychological conditions, and social factors (Alcoholism). According to the NIAAA, alcoholism results in a craving for alcohol that deteriorates into physical dependence. Any attempt to stop the consumption of alcohol, in such individuals, results in the development of certain unpleasant physical conditions. The WHO states that most of the alcoholics find it difficult to withstand these symptoms, and resume drinking, in order to obtain relief from these unbearable physical conditions (Alcoholism). According to researchers of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcoholism is a genetic disorder. A number of genes interact in a complex manner, and render individuals addicts to alcohol. As such, alcoholism has a genetic basis. Individuals develop alcoholism under the influence of several genes acting in concert. Therefore, preventive measures in reducing alcoholism have to be based on genetic studies. The NIAAA conducted several studies in this area, so as to discover better treatment and prevent alcoholism. Moreover, individuals from different families become alcoholics, on account of predisposing genes (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2004 ). The Baldwin Research Institute conducted a number of research studies in the area of alcoholism. These studies had contended that alcoholism was a choice and not a disease. It is the contention of this institute that regarding alcoholism as a disease emerged from fraudulent research. This contrived cause for alcoholism, according to this institute, came to the fore in the 1800s, chiefly due to the efforts of Benjamin Rush. It had been alleged that Benjamin Rush had promoted this concept, in order to engender his prohibitionist political agendas. This initiative was conducted by the prohibitionists and proponents of the Temperance Movement, during the late 1800s and early 1900s (Nakaya A. C., 2008). The term alcoholic was invented during this period. In earlier times, alcohol had been consumed without any restrictions; although, drunkenness had never been tolerated. In the society of that age, social and family relationships were accorded high priority, and they had an important bearing on social life. All this changed with industrialization, and significant changes occurred in the life style of the people. For instance, the importance of the family and social relationships, were relegated to the background (Nakaya A. C., 2008). It was during this period that alcoholism was deemed to be a social problem. Alcoholism displays four symptoms. The first of these is craving, whereby individuals have a strong urge to drink alcohol. The second symptom relates to loss of control, due to which the alcoholic cannot stop consuming alcohol, once the activity of drinking commences. The third indication, is the development of physical dependence on alcohol, which results in withdrawal symptoms that include nausea, sweating, tremors and anxiety, if drinking is discontinued. The final sign is the development of tolerance, and a habitual drunkard has to consume increasingly larger amounts to obtain the same level of intoxication (Nakaya A. C., 2008). Many research studies have suggested that the risk of becoming an alcoholic is a family trait. This depends on the inherited genes, as well as the lifestyle of the individual. At the moment, there are many researchers, who are actively engaged in isolating the genes that urge people to indulge themselves to the point of addiction. However, it cannot be surmised that a child, in whose family there is significant risk of becoming an alcoholic, will emerge an alcoholic in the future. Some people become alcoholics, despite the fact that there is no history of alcoholism in their family (Nakaya A. C., 2008). Therefore it is imperative to comprehend the risks associated with alcohol. Diagnostic criteria have been developed, in respect of alcoholism, for clinical and research purposes. Many authorities have conceded that alcoholism is a disease, and the yearning for alcohol displayed by an alcoholic, is akin to that displayed towards food and drinking water. Alcoholics continue to drink, and they often ignore their family, health, and social problems. It is a chronic disease, or in other words, it can persist till the alcoholic lives. An individual’s genes and lifestyle have a major influence on whether that person develops alcoholism (Nakaya A. C., 2008). The successful treatment of alcoholism entails adequate knowledge, regarding cellular and biochemical events. Modern medicine has declared that nutrition is the basis for good health. This involves the supply of nutritious supplements and satisfactory detoxification of the patient. Nutritional therapy, rapidly restores a patient to health, and enables the maximum utilization of body and mind. As such, no mono – therapy has depicted significant success rate, in the treatment for alcoholism. Therefore, healthcare professionals have to provide holistic treatment, in the context of alcoholics (Arneson & Pinkhasova, 2005, 88). In addition, the identification of predisposing genes is expected to improve the prevention and treatment of alcoholism. Many improved techniques have to be developed to this end, including the complete human gene map and a catalogue of major human genetic polymorphisms. After the identification of the predisposing genes, epidemiologists will be required to assess the manner in which these genes interact with the environment and promote alcoholism (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2004 ). The treatment of alcoholism consists of two phases. In the first stage of the treatment, detoxification is employed. This intervention assists the alcoholic to discontinue drinking, and decreases the toxic effects of the alcohol, in the body. Since, the alcoholic’s body has become accustomed to alcohol; a number of adverse physical conditions are likely to occur if alcohol is not consumed. The sudden cessation of consumption of alcohol has to be accompanied by psychological and physiological support, if withdrawal symptoms are to be controlled or prevented (Treatment). Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms vary from patient to patient. They depend on the severity of the alcoholism, the quantity of alcohol consumed by the patient, daily, and the duration of such addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be either mild or life – threatening. Mild withdrawal symptoms include nausea, aches, diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, anxiety and tremors. On the other hand, serious symptoms of withdrawal consist of auditory and visual hallucinations, seizures, excruciating craving for alcohol, mental perplexity, constant fever, uncontrolled heart beat, hypertension and delirium. The latter symptoms pose a major threat to the life of the alcoholic (Treatment). The most severe withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics, cause malnutrition, liver problems, or Wenicke’s syndrome. These symptoms are collectively known as delirium tremens in the medical terminology. They are usually observed in alcoholics, three or five days after calling a halt to drinking alcohol. At first, these symptoms commence in a mild manner and gradually progress to a severe phase, when they could become life – threatening. In some instances, these symptoms had persisted for long periods, after the discontinuance of alcohol consumption (Treatment). The medical intervention accorded to patients with mild withdrawal symptoms, is generally restricted to a constant monitoring of their physical and physiological condition, in order to ensure that there is no degeneration into the more severe symptoms. However, in patients, who are perceived to be suffering from the more serious symptoms, sedatives have to be provided. These drugs provide considerable relief from suffering. Moreover, the use of sedatives reduces the danger of hypertension, irregular heart beat and seizures. Alcoholics, who are found to be suffering from hallucinations are administered drugs known as bezodiazapines (Treatment). The consumption of alcohol, in excess, damages the liver. More than two million Americans suffer from liver diseases, on account of alcoholism. The body produces acetaldehyde, during the metabolizing of alcohol. This substance causes extensive damage to the liver. Moreover, acetaldehyde is extremely harmful to humans, has carcinogenic effects, and produces a large number of free radicals, which irreparably damage the body cells. It also causes premature aging in alcoholics (Alleger, 2008, 110). In general, alcoholics suffer from the depletion of thiamine, which results in the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. Therefore, the supply of additional amounts of thiamine proves to be of great help to such persons. It is essential to prevent a relapse of drinking, in a patient, who has been cured of alcoholism. This stage is known as rehabilitation of the alcoholic (Treatment). Individuals being treated for alcoholism, suffer from nausea. Consequently, nutrition has to be provided, by means of large quantities of fluids, which are to be supplied intravenously. Alcoholism, which entails physiological and psychological addiction, constitutes a very serious problem. It is principally distinguished by reduced control over the consumption of alcohol; preoccupation and imbibing of alcoholic drinks, despite adverse consequences and mental aberration. Over the years, many postulates emerged regarding the nature of alcoholism. It is almost universally accepted; at present that alcoholism is a distinct disease, with specific symptoms, causes and methods of treatment. It entices its victim into an endless cycle of drinking that is addictive and destructive. Alcoholism is an affliction that can occur due to environmental or genetic causes. It has also been termed as alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Irrespective of the name employed, this malaise causes immense harm to alcoholics and their families. On occasion, alcoholism has been deemed to be a social problem. List of References Alcoholism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2009, from http://74.125.153.132/search?q=cache:rV2XGgx8f5oJ:encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761552168/Alcoholism.html+alcoholism+encarta&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk Alcoholism, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and. "Alcoholism Is a Disease." Opposing Viewpoints: Alcohol. Ed. Andrea C. Nakaya. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Career Education Corp. 12 Nov. 2009 . Alcoholism, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and. "Alcoholism Has a Genetic Basis." Opposing Viewpoints: Alcohol. Ed. Karen F. Balkin. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Career Education Corp. 12 Nov. 2009 . Alleger, I. (2008, 110). Reversing the Physical Damage of Alcoholism. Townsend Letter , Issue 305, 110 – 110. Arneson, D. A., & Pinkhasova, A. (2005, 88). Nutritional Treatment for Detoxification and Recovery from Alcoholism: The Functional/ Molecular Medicine Approach. Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients , 258, 83 – 88. Institute, Baldwin Research. "Alcoholism Is Not a Disease." Opposing Viewpoints: Alcohol. Ed. Andrea C. Nakaya. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Career Education Corp. 12 Nov. 2009 . Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2009, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Alcohal+addiction. Read More