The definition of alcoholism and alcohol addiction is subject to much debate. There is a medical view, a 12 step view and many others. Here is an ‘officially accepted’ definition:
Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic use, impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.
Primary refers to the nature of alcoholism as a disease entity in addition to and separate from other pathophysiological states which may be associated with it. Primary suggests that alcoholism, as in addiction, is not a symptom of an underlying disease state.
Disease means an involuntary disability. It represents the sum of the abnormal phenomena displayed by a group of individuals. These phenomena are associated with the specified comment set of characteristics by which these individuals differ from the norm, and which places them at a disadvantage.
Progressive and fatal means that the disease persists over time and that the physical, emotional, and social changes are often cumulative and may progress as drinking continues. Alcoholism causes premature death through overdose, organic complications involving the brain, liver, heart and many other organs, and by contributing to suicide, homicide, motor vehicle crashes, and other traumatic events.
Impaired control means the inability to limit alcohol use or to consistently limit on any drinking occasion the duration of the episode, the quantity consumed, and/or the behavioral consequences of drinking.
Preoccupation in association with alcohol use indicates excessive, focused attention given to the drug alcohol, and its effects and/or its use. The relative value thus assigned to alcohol by the individual often leads to a diversion of energies away from important life concerns.
Adverse consequences are alcohol related problems or impairments in such areas as: physical health (e.g. alcohol withdrawal symptoms, liver disease, gastritis, anemia, neurological disorders); psychological functioning (e.g. impairments in cognition, changes in mood and behavior); interpersonal functioning (e.g. marital problems, child abuse, impaired social relationships); occupational functioning (e.g. scholastic or job problems); and illegal, financial, or spiritual problems.
Denial is used here not only in the psychoanalytical sense of a single psychological defense mechanism disavowing the significance of the fence, but more broadly to include a range of psychological maneuvers designed to reduce awareness of the fact that alcohol use is the cause of an individual’s problems rather than the solution to these problems denial becomes an integral part of the disease and the major obstacle in getting help for addiction and recovery.
This definition was prepared by the Joint Committee To Study The Definition And Criteria For The Diagnosis Of Alcoholism Of The National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence, and The American Society Of Addiction Medicine. It was approved by the Board of Directors of NCAAD on 3 February 1990 and the Board of Directors of ASAM on 25 February 1990.
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For some people in recovery, addiction is defined by the inability to stop using without resorting to outside help.
In other words, if a person can quit on their own, then they are not addicted. I personally disagree with this idea but it is very prevalent in traditional recovery circles. People tend to define addiction by what is required to overcome it.
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Alcohol addiction is a progressive and debilitating disease. Although most people who drink do not become alcoholic, at least 15% of those who do are at risk for developing a serious problem which impacts relationships, health, work and the quality of life.
Life Works understands that the effects of this illness can feel overwhelming.
http://www.lifeworkscommunity.com
Wow that was the most indepth definition I’ve seen in a long time. And I do agree that it is very progressive. You don’t become an alcoholic overnight. Other than cancer, I think that alcoholism/drug use is the worst disease. Not only does it destroy your body, it destroys your relationships, your job…just everything that has ever mattered to you.
Alcohol addiction is simply defined as a compulsive need for an intoxicating liquid including beer, wine and other hard liquors. It is very pleasant to drink and in particular gives a festive flavor to special occasions. Unfortunately, it also seriously affects the brain as it can give an illusion of relaxation, freedom from cares and responsibilities, and in particular emotional pain. This is where the trap lies, and what makes it so easy to become addicted to alcohol. Even for those who have no particular problems and just drink for enjoyment, it is amazing how quickly the choice of whether to drink or not to drink gradually turns into an overwhelming need to drink. This change is so subtle that the victim is not even aware that this is happening and that he now has a dependency on alcohol or also known as alcoholism.
It can be even defined as, Physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use will bring on withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks
I need help
It takes a lot courage to post a blog about your own shortcomings and addiction. I appreciate your courage.
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