ALCOHOL ABUSE
Alcohol abuse is a very dangerous condition in that it can cause many problems in a
persons life and affect many aspects of their lifestyle. Alcoholism (or alcohol abuse)
somehow effects everyone's life at some point in time; through a parent, a sibling, a
friend, or even personal encounters. Alcohol abuse, as a medical diagnosis, refers to a
pattern of behavior characterized by excessive alcohol consumption. This consumption can
occur at regular intervals, regular weekend intervals, or during binges, which are
considered as being intoxicated for at least two successive days. Difficulty in
stopping, reducing the amount of alcohol use, and impaired social/occupational role
functioning are all characteristics of alcohol abuse.
A number of theories in the medical feild are used to explain alcohol abuse. These are
the biologic-genetic model, learning/social model, the psychodynamic model, and the
multidimensional model (McFarland 457). Each different model, for alcoholism have varied
explanations as to how and why people use and abuse alcohol.
The biologic-genetic model states that there is a specific genetic vulnerability for
alcoholism. There has been extensive studies on factors in the genes that could
determine or influence the use of alcohol from generation to generation. However, these
studies have shown no hard evidence for an association between alcoholism and inherited
factors.
The learning and social model proposes that alcoholism is a process that is slowly
developed within a social situation or atmosphere. This model of alcoholism has also
been researched by using both human and animal subjects. A conditioning model of alcohol
tolerance has demonstrated that specific cues from the environment such as odor, sight,
and taste, produce a stimulus that results in alcohol consumption. If ethanol, the
addictive ingredient in alcohol , is not supplied, a psychological compensatory response
called a craving is produced.
The psychodynamic model of alcoholism proposes that problematic child rearing practices
produce psychosexual maldevelopment and dependence/independece conflicts. It is
believed that while habitual alcohol use is in process, the habitual drinker may use
behavior such as exaggeration, denial, rationalization, and affiliation with socially
deviant groups. Results of these behaviors may include decreased work efficiency, job
loss, alienation of friends and family, or even hospitalization.
The multidimensional model of alcoholism combines the interaction of biological,
behavioral, and sociocultural factors. These three factors contribute together to make
the strongest model, in which most alcoholics fit. The biological model relates to the
progression from occasional initial relief drinking, to the increase of tolerance, and
from loss of memory during heavy drinking periods to an urgency of drinking. The
behavioral model is helpful in the identification of high-risk situations, in which
alcoholics are most likely to be ritualistally drinking. Sociocultural factors are
present in peer interaction around drinking as a primary activity for entertainment.
This can lead to the preference of drinking for social interaction. Ideas such as this
are influenced greatly, and shaped by media through commercials, television portrayal of
alcohol use as a coping skill, and the belief that the use of alcohol to reduce life's
stress is socially acceptable. Another area in which alcohol is looked at as all right,
comes during the aging process. The death of a spouse, job relocation, retirement, or
loss of health put older people at risk of alcoholism and is identified as having
late-onset alcoholism (McFarland 458).
Alcoholism can be divided into several subtypes. Gamma alcoholism applies to binge
drinkers who alternate periods of sobriety and drunkenness. An example of gamma
alcoholism would be a college student who engages in heavy binge drinking. In contrast,
beta alcoholism is manifested by physical complications of chronic alcohol use such as
cirrhosis, weakening of the liver, heart, stomach, and esophagus. An example of a beta
alcoholic would be a housewife who is a maintenance drinker and experiences withdrawal
symptoms. A number of issues also arises among characteristics of alcoholism.
Behavioral problems are often visible signs. Poor school grades, rambling speech,
disciplinary problems, excessive fighting, truancy, vandalism, and hyperactivity are all
possible signs of alcoholism.
Alcoholism is a disease that is very serious and complicated. The curing of alcoholism
is a difficult process which requires accepting the presence of the condition, self
realization, and support. As a person begins to achieve control over their drinking
problem, by implementing new coping strategies, and increasing a sense of competence and
hope, a new phase of life is entered.
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