01 Jul Is Alcoholism A Disease, Addiction, Or Disorder?
Alcoholism as a disease is often a topic of debate. It’s a condition often misunderstood in which people may make knee-jerk judgments and assume that alcoholism is a choice. While it’s true that consuming a first drink is a choice, the domino effect of addiction quickly spirals out of control and leaves people with a disorder that requires professional help.
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Alcoholism as a disorder
According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition in which the impacted person has an impaired ability to stop or control their alcohol consumption despite the social, financial, or occupational ramifications. To put it simply, AUD describes a situation in which a person will continue to abuse alcohol despite its negative impacts on their lives.
AUD is an umbrella term that includes other referenced conditions, including alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and the general term alcoholism. AUD is classified as a brain disorder ranging from mild to severe that may almost always require extensive outside treatment.
In short, most people can’t tackle AUD on their own, and because of the impacts that alcohol has on the brain over time, it also means that people with AUD are likely to relapse and require additional support.
Treatments for AUD
As mentioned, the severity of AUD will determine the best treatment approach. Some people benefit from behavioral therapy, support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), and medication.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can be used to learn better coping strategies that may include reinforcement approaches and brief interventions.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, prove to be a great resource for people who struggle with alcoholism. These groups are available in nearly every community at low or no cost. The peer group works together to keep sobriety the focus of each day.
Medication
Medication may be used to stop drinking and maintain sobriety. It is not unusual for medication to be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Can People Recover from Alcoholism?
Yes, it is possible to recover from alcoholism. However, it is not uncommon for people who struggle with it to have relapses and require ongoing support for the duration of their life. It’s important to establish a support network, seek professional help, and reach out when experiencing struggles with sobriety.
Concerns About Detox
It is not unusual for people who struggle with alcoholism to worry about the stress of detox. The process is not only uncomfortable but can also be embarrassing for people who want to keep their condition as private as possible. Fortunately, there are ways to get through detox in the privacy of your own home.
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Overcome Alcoholism With Private In-Home Detox That Works
At Elite Home Detox, we understand how far-reaching alcoholism can be. That’s why we offer private in-home detox services that allow people to safely detox in the comfort of their home. In addition to this service, we offer ongoing support and counseling services to help people at their most vulnerable times. Alcoholism can certainly impact a person’s life, but with the right resources in place, you can overcome it.
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