ALCOHOLISM

Alcoholism and the Disease Model



Abstract

This paper discusses the issue of alcoholism and the multiple diseases associated with it. The paper also shed light on the different models and studies that have developed to understand the uses and misuses of alcohol. Since alcohol is commonly used in medication as well, it is essential to identify the acceptable level. Alcohol can also be consumed in the form of beer, wine and scotch. This form of consumption can lead to addiction. When individuals continue abusing alcohol it can lead diseases such as liver cancer. To understand the abuses, multiple scales for tests have been developed. The research and advancement made in this regard has led to better understanding of how to prevent abuse of alcohol and what measures can be taken to make the rehabilitation process better.

Table of Contents

Abstracti

Introduction1

Discussion4

Analysis5

Types of the disease model5

Pre-Existing Physical Abnormality6

Mental Illness6

Acquired Addiction7

Characteristics of the Disease Model7

Suggestions9

Conclusion10

Alcoholism and the Disease Model

Introduction

The issue to be discussed here is alcoholism and the disease model. People around the world are involved in different types of addictions. Alcoholism is also one type of addiction which is also referred as a multidimensional illness. Alcoholism is basically a bio psychosocial disease which involves body, mind and the society. Alcoholism is a severe problem and it must not be taken lightly. More than thirteen million people in the US alone are alcoholics (Cahalan, 1969). The causes of alcoholism are different in nature and if alcoholism is to be reduced the causes need to be properly addressed. There are many factors that direct the alcohol consumption and ultimately its addiction. Most people have different reasons that lead them to become alcoholics. Before going into a detailed discussion about alcoholism, it is also important to know the disease model of alcoholism (West, 2006).

The disease model of alcoholism suggests that there is a need to understand alcoholism. If alcoholism is to be understood, it has to be seen as a human problem. By stating human problem it does not mean just a single human being, but it also addresses the impacts it has on the overall society. It is not confined to some specific people, but it relates to everyone who is a part of the society. Coming back to alcoholism, it needs to be understood that it is not just a problem of will power, morality or character. Rather it is an illness with critical biologic dimensions and which needs to be cured in order minimize the negative effects on the individual and the society as a whole.

Majority of the people are of the view that alcoholism and drug addiction are both chronic diseases. However history suggests that society's view about a particular substance like alcohol has taken different forms. It is important to know why the attitudes change with time, does it have a logical reasoning behind it or is it the need of time only. For example, before nineteenth century alcohol was seen as good substances. It was being used to treat different types of diseases (real ...