The Alcoholism Information Page
Many experts contend that the addiction to alcohol is a complex disease,as debilitating as asthma,as chronic as diabetes,and as fatal as metastatic cancer. We are told that this insidious disease will kill if left untreated.Some scientists suggest
that changes in the brain occur after prolonged alcohol use and the quantity and frequency of alcohol use is no longer a voluntary act.
The disease model of Alcoholism had been introduced in the 50's. At that time the A.M.A. pronounced Alcoholism a disease that could be treated by modern medicine.
In the 1980's the psychiatric community stated they were more qualified to deal with the chronic alcoholic in free standing psychiatric facilities.
There are those who dispute the disease model, pointing out that chronic alcoholism is unlike any other disease anyone has ever experienced. Whether it is or is not a disease dosen't make much difference to the many recovering alcoholics,yet it makes a world of difference to social workers,counselors,and psychologists, for whom the disease concept is based. They believe that calling alcoholism a disease both acknowledges its power and lifts out of the realm of moral turpitude and redefines it as a medical problem to be treated, rather that it be called a moral problem to be censured.
The disease model reveals how little thought goes into assessing patients for alcoholism treatment. Measured outcome studies have
rarely been published, and when so, were somewhat off center.The
universal discharge plan appears to be: go to A.A.,get a sponsor,
and don't ever drink any alcoholic beverages.
With high blood pressure,a variety of Rx drugs are available to control the disease if one can't manage hypertension through lifestyle
changes. But this is not so with alcoholism.The problem of alcoholism is largely controlled through the group Alcoholics Anonymous. This could be considered malpractice for a group of men and women helping treat a disease.
You may say that Alcoholics Anonymous is generally effective,in part because there is not a lot else anyone can do to help these people who
have lost control of their lives. The prescription for sobriety is always reinforced by Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
I will continue to find up to date material on alcoholism and provide you with the newest of news. . . . . . Don
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