Alcohol dependence is among the third leading cause of morbidity and death from associated health problems stemming from its use. Understanding a disease or disorder aids the medical profession to gain critical information for assessing and developing effective prevention strategies. There are many types of Alcohol disorders ranging from the periodic user to chronic alcoholic dependence. Alcoholism is a complex disorder and develops from many ways in its development over years in a person. Alcohol use patterns can be adopted from the familial setting; however studies suggest there are both genetic and biological factors that contribute to this disease. There are also cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to the disease.
Hereditary cognitive factors have been implicated for the development of alcohol and substance abuse problems. Some studies suggest that alcoholics have an impaired cognitive performance such as attention span, memory, verbal reasoning, and abstract thinking. Genetic influences have been researched from pedigree studies, studies of twins, both identical and fraternal, and adopted individuals raised apart from their parents. Great progress in examining the genetic bases of developing alcoholism have been made however specific genes have yet to be discovered.
The idea of treatment is to become abstinent from the alcohol. A strong network or fellowship along with family support is important to the recovery process. Obsessing for the alcohol and the desire to drink makes it very difficult to stop drinking for many people. People will try at first to moderate their drinking by reducing the amount they drink. If a person attempts moderation and this does not work the best option would be to try abstinence. Withdrawing from alcohol should be in a supervised medical setting because complications from the withdraw process can be life threatening. Recovery and support systems are the best method to continue sobriety after you have passed the withdraw stage. Other options are medications to decrease cravings or medication that produces an unpleasant side effect if you drink (U.S. National Library of Medicine.)
Treatment has three stages:
1. In the early stage of treatment, clients can be emotionally fragile; they can't imagine life without ever drinking again, and fear being labeled an 'alcoholic'. Usually they are in denial and are very resistant to accepting any form of treatment. In the beginning stage after the withdrawal period group support is recommended to help provide hope and understanding of the disease.
2. In the second phase of treatment group cohesion helps the alcoholic to discover and bring to light that alcohol was the root of many of their problems. Many alcoholics while still drinking tend to believe the problems stem from others or they have just been dealt a bad life. As clients sever their ties with substances, they need help managing their loss and finding healthful substitutes.
3. In the last stage of treatment, clients spend less time on their substance abuse issues and turn toward identifying the treatment gains to be maintained and risks that remain. This is an ongoing process for each person so they can remain abstinent forever. Most people will now need to learn how to live without numbing feelings and deal with life. Dealing with past guilt or shame will take time and group support or psychotherapy. Many turn to prayer or meditation to help gain a better view of them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7425754By M A Baker
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