Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. Alcoholism is a complex disease with physical, social and psychological consequences, but it can be treated through detoxification and anti-anxiety drugs. What will be explained in this essay is basically the history of alcohol, signs of one possibly being an alcoholic, possibilities to why one becomes an alcoholic, and treatments for it. In the past, alcoholism was often viewed as a moral weakness or character flaw; it was thought that the person could stop drinking if he or she really wanted to. It wasn't until 1970, with the establishment of NIAAA and a national public education effort, that people began to understand and accept that alcoholism is a life-threatening, chronic disease involving psychological and physical dependence on alcohol. Based on the American Psychiatric Association's 4th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, NIAAA recognizes four signs of alcoholism: Loss of control over drinking. Alcoholics may intend to have two or three drinks, but before they know it, they are on their 10th. Continued use of alcohol despite social, medical, family, and work problems. Increased alcohol tolerance over time, (needing more alcohol to become intoxicated.) Withdrawal symptoms when alcoholics stop drinking after a period of heavy drinking. The symptoms include anxiety, agitation, increased blood pressure, and, in extreme cases, seizures. These symptoms may persist for several days. People do not need to have all four signs to be diagnosed as alcoholic. Those who have significant problems controlling their drinking and functioning in social situations because of alcohol may be considered alcoholics without the physical signs, tolerance and withdrawal. The APA manual distinguishes between alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Th...
