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| Topic: Alcoholism is not a disease | |
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This will go against the grain of societial norms but it's what I've understood it as for years. The first draft of the American Psychiatric Association's latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders dismisses alcoholism as a "disease" and more a disorder.
It's neurological in nature. Al Anon's "bible" is incorrect and we need to rethink our approach to this condition regarding prevention and treatments. DSM-V Draft Includes Major Changes to Addictive Disease Classifications "The first draft of the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) eliminates the disease categories for substance abuse and dependence and replaces it with a new "addictions and related disorders" -- just one of several major changes to the "Bible" used almost universally to diagnose (and get insurance reimbursement for) behavioral-health problems. "Eliminating the category of dependence will better differentiate between the compulsive drug-seeking behavior of addiction and normal responses of tolerance and withdrawal that some patients experience when using prescribed medications that affect the central nervous system," the APA explained in a Feb. 10 press release. "The term dependence is misleading, because people confuse it with addiction, when in fact the tolerance and withdrawal patients experience are very normal responses to prescribed medications that affect the central nervous system," said Charles O'Brien, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the APA's DSM Substance-Related Disorders Work Group. "On the other hand, addiction is compulsive drug- seeking behavior which is quite different. We hope that this new classification will help end this wide-spread misunderstanding." http://www.jointogether.org/news/features/2010/dsm-v-draft-includes-major.html |
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways.
Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. |
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism.  
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I don't know man. I've been in treatment center, meeting rooms, etc. since I was 15. And I totally believe it's a disease. I mean, like the dude above said, it's in the genes. And you can't control it but you can treat it. And if you don't, you're eventually gonna die. Real talk.
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I've read too that addictions/ dependencies, whatever, are to be treated like diseases in that they can be life threatening, and there is not necessarily a cure, but treatment that promotes wellness and awareness.
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It is a fact that it is a disease. It's also a fact that only 10% in recovery actually recover....
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. That's the failure in addressing the epidemic of alcoholism. That it can be said that it's not preventable is what's feeding the epidemic. AA likes to say "it's not you're fault, you were born that way" and that's accepted as an answer as to why we do NOT help prevent this disorder. Sure genetics play a part but that does not dismiss that it's also an acquired disorder. It's about 50-50...but few believe that. A 15 year old who starts drinking this addictive drug is 5 times more likely to become an addict. Parents provide about half the drugs (alcohol) that teens get. We do little to nothing to prevent this disorder and our society has given this drug a free pass...why does it not have a Drug Facts label on it? Who's reporting on this? No one, not a clue...this news I hope shakes the foundation of the dated attitudes about our alcohol epidemic. Every day 7,000 teens take their first dose of this drug... www.alcoholthenarcotic.org |
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Edited by
Dragoness
on
Wed 02/17/10 06:44 PM
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. Personally since there are genetic precoursers I would still consider addiction at least close to a disease. And the lifelong care they have to go through to control it and the fact it never goes away, it sure sounds like a disease to me. |
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They are just recoding it so that it is more easily distinguished. This does not to tell what causes alcoholism, but just how to diagnosis it. Just like in the DSM for all other psychological disorders and diseases, it gives indicators for diagnosis and treatment, not all disorders and diseases are explained at the exact cause for the disease or disorder.
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DSM-IV Criteria for Alcohol Abuse: A maladaptive pattern of alcohol abuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household). Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine). Recurrent alcohol-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for alcohol-related disorderly conduct). Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the alcohol (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication or physical fights). These symptoms must never have met the criteria for alcohol dependence. DSM-IV Criteria for Alcohol Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following seven criteria, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period: Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol. Withdrawal, as defined by either of the following: The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to DSM-IV for further details). Alcohol is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. There is a persistent desire or there are unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol or recover from its effects. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the alcohol (e.g., continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption). American Psychiatric Association. 1994. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) (DSM-IV). Washington, D.C.: APA. They are just better making the distiniction between abuse and dependence which is often confused. |
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. That's the failure in addressing the epidemic of alcoholism. That it can be said that it's not preventable is what's feeding the epidemic. AA likes to say "it's not you're fault, you were born that way" and that's accepted as an answer as to why we do NOT help prevent this disorder. Sure genetics play a part but that does not dismiss that it's also an acquired disorder. It's about 50-50...but few believe that. A 15 year old who starts drinking this addictive drug is 5 times more likely to become an addict. Parents provide about half the drugs (alcohol) that teens get. We do little to nothing to prevent this disorder and our society has given this drug a free pass...why does it not have a Drug Facts label on it? Who's reporting on this? No one, not a clue...this news I hope shakes the foundation of the dated attitudes about our alcohol epidemic. Every day 7,000 teens take their first dose of this drug... www.alcoholthenarcotic.org would it really make any difference if it had drug facts on the bottle? how is it really any different than obesity, certain types of cancers, and diabetes? lifestyle plays a big role in self infliction. |
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. That's the failure in addressing the epidemic of alcoholism. That it can be said that it's not preventable is what's feeding the epidemic. AA likes to say "it's not you're fault, you were born that way" and that's accepted as an answer as to why we do NOT help prevent this disorder. Sure genetics play a part but that does not dismiss that it's also an acquired disorder. It's about 50-50...but few believe that. A 15 year old who starts drinking this addictive drug is 5 times more likely to become an addict. Parents provide about half the drugs (alcohol) that teens get. We do little to nothing to prevent this disorder and our society has given this drug a free pass...why does it not have a Drug Facts label on it? Who's reporting on this? No one, not a clue...this news I hope shakes the foundation of the dated attitudes about our alcohol epidemic. Every day 7,000 teens take their first dose of this drug... www.alcoholthenarcotic.org |
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I'm going to jump in here and be the illogical voice...
I was diagnosed as an alcoholic many, many years ago, and I was a heavy drinker. Yet, I made a decision that I didn't want to drink anymore, and I have no constant craving as an alcoholic is supposed to have. I have also known MANY "alcoholics" and have seen many die including family and friends from drunken stupor suicide to permanent liver damage.....lifestyle, choice, state of mind, environment, among other factors are in play, I believe..just speaking from personal experience. All self destructive behaviors go much deeper than the gene pool. |
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. That's the failure in addressing the epidemic of alcoholism. That it can be said that it's not preventable is what's feeding the epidemic. AA likes to say "it's not you're fault, you were born that way" and that's accepted as an answer as to why we do NOT help prevent this disorder. Sure genetics play a part but that does not dismiss that it's also an acquired disorder. It's about 50-50...but few believe that. A 15 year old who starts drinking this addictive drug is 5 times more likely to become an addict. Parents provide about half the drugs (alcohol) that teens get. We do little to nothing to prevent this disorder and our society has given this drug a free pass...why does it not have a Drug Facts label on it? Who's reporting on this? No one, not a clue...this news I hope shakes the foundation of the dated attitudes about our alcohol epidemic. Every day 7,000 teens take their first dose of this drug... www.alcoholthenarcotic.org would it really make any difference if it had drug facts on the bottle? how is it really any different than obesity, certain types of cancers, and diabetes? lifestyle plays a big role in self infliction. So with that bizarre logic why then should we have any drug facts or warning labels on any products? Really? I do ask why are we giving this liquid drug product a free pass? We allow it to be advertised to our children and as I said earlier parents provide half the alcohol teens get...I'd hope some product safety in the form of information on an addictive drug product would be an obvious start of the education...at least a discussion. I see no difference in giving a child alcohol that heroin...what's the real difference? They're BOTH illegal drugs for teens...yet. Here's a Drug Facts label for ya... http://www.alcoholthenarcotic.org/Drug_Facts_Label.html Now if anyone would like to explain (after viewing the label) why it's ok for parents to give their kids alcohol I'd love to hear the justifications... Thanks |
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addiction is continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Addictive behaviors initially provide a sense of pleasure or stability that is beyond the addict's power to achieve in other ways. Physiological dependence is the adaptive state that occurs with regular symptoms and is only one indicator of addiction. It's interesting that they are dismissing alcoholism as a disease when there are genetic links in people and their families of alcoholism. That's the failure in addressing the epidemic of alcoholism. That it can be said that it's not preventable is what's feeding the epidemic. AA likes to say "it's not you're fault, you were born that way" and that's accepted as an answer as to why we do NOT help prevent this disorder. Sure genetics play a part but that does not dismiss that it's also an acquired disorder. It's about 50-50...but few believe that. A 15 year old who starts drinking this addictive drug is 5 times more likely to become an addict. Parents provide about half the drugs (alcohol) that teens get. We do little to nothing to prevent this disorder and our society has given this drug a free pass...why does it not have a Drug Facts label on it? Who's reporting on this? No one, not a clue...this news I hope shakes the foundation of the dated attitudes about our alcohol epidemic. Every day 7,000 teens take their first dose of this drug... www.alcoholthenarcotic.org would it really make any difference if it had drug facts on the bottle? how is it really any different than obesity, certain types of cancers, and diabetes? lifestyle plays a big role in self infliction. So with that bizarre logic why then should we have any drug facts or warning labels on any products? Really? I do ask why are we giving this liquid drug product a free pass? We allow it to be advertised to our children and as I said earlier parents provide half the alcohol teens get...I'd hope some product safety in the form of information on an addictive drug product would be an obvious start of the education...at least a discussion. I see no difference in giving a child alcohol that heroin...what's the real difference? They're BOTH illegal drugs for teens...yet. Here's a Drug Facts label for ya... http://www.alcoholthenarcotic.org/Drug_Facts_Label.html Now if anyone would like to explain (after viewing the label) why it's ok for parents to give their kids alcohol I'd love to hear the justifications... Thanks why was it ok for people to actually use cocaine in a syrup for their colds until what 1930-40's? I asked if it would it make a difference to post the ingredients because our knowledge on the ingredients is minimal. Those ingredients do not treat or aid the actually problem, but simply suppress the SYMPTOMS, and all those ingredients were passed by our wonderful FDA, the same bastards that produce miracle pills daily that are supposed to be so safe and wonderful and then a whole bunch of people die and then the drug gets pulled. They are also the reason why other drugs are illegal, being that only a licensed practitioner is allowed to distribute such substances, but they are the same substances that are in all medicine. But some of the worst things people can supply freely is antibiotics, it is because of these that viruses mutate and become even more ridiculous to "suppress". And if it's the alcohol in cough syrup you're worried about you might want to re-read the label. DXM is a cough suppressant and can also be a hallucinogen, and it's in practically every cough and cold medicine out there. |
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It is a fact that it is a disease. It's also a fact that only 10% in recovery actually recover.... Funny, I know my mom never volunteered for Multiple Sclerosis, and THAT'S a disease. An alcholic voluntarily picks up the bottle, no matter what the claim. |
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"Science may one day accomplish this.. BUT HASNT DONE SO YET."
The big book of alcaholics anonymous~ I dont care what they refer to it as... They havent found a cure for it, and alcaholisim is not just picking up, or using a drink. |
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The DSM now contains three times as many disorders as it did in 1952 and is more than seven times longer than that first edition. The jury is still out on whether the dozens of new additions hold up to scientific scrutiny. Robert Spitzer, editor of two previous editions, including the one that formally approved post-traumatic stress disorder, recently conceded that his colleagues must now "save PTSD from itself."
http://www.slate.com/id/2223479/ I dont exactly trust the field of psychology. diagnosis, I believe ,are merely created to appease the popular tastes and distastes of the time. I think if you are using a substance that isnt causing you to harm others or become unproductive, have at it and if you ABUSE it, so that you do harm to others or become useless, take responsibility for your choice and do something about it. The same with casual sex,, if you are of the opinion that casual sex is alright, its kind of hypocritical to limit how casual that sex should be for others,, whatever their particular fetish.. people choose to do what feels good to them, if it works out to do harm instead, and if enough people with money are doing it,,the medical field comes rushing in to absolve them of responsibility and make them victims,,,,sigh |
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From my own experience I can say that alocholism and drug addiction are choices. It's not a choice to become dependant on the substance exactly, but a choice is made to keep going to the substance that makes you feel good despite what it does to your life. It's can be exteremly difficult to break such habits, when you are in trouble, you will try and fail several times before either giving it up for good, or letting it get the best of you. You can call it whatever you want to call it, the problem is the choices that are being made by the person. This is my personal opinion based on what I have experienced personally, being an addict/ alcoholic myself, and having friends and family that are also addicts and alcoholics, and seeing what they have done and how their lives are.
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The DSM now contains three times as many disorders as it did in 1952 and is more than seven times longer than that first edition. The jury is still out on whether the dozens of new additions hold up to scientific scrutiny. Robert Spitzer, editor of two previous editions, including the one that formally approved post-traumatic stress disorder, recently conceded that his colleagues must now "save PTSD from itself." http://www.slate.com/id/2223479/ I dont exactly trust the field of psychology. diagnosis, I believe ,are merely created to appease the popular tastes and distastes of the time. I think if you are using a substance that isnt causing you to harm others or become unproductive, have at it and if you ABUSE it, so that you do harm to others or become useless, take responsibility for your choice and do something about it. The same with casual sex,, if you are of the opinion that casual sex is alright, its kind of hypocritical to limit how casual that sex should be for others,, whatever their particular fetish.. people choose to do what feels good to them, if it works out to do harm instead, and if enough people with money are doing it,,the medical field comes rushing in to absolve them of responsibility and make them victims,,,,sigh Taking psych now, and I tend to agree with you. It's all as much of a fad and "in thing" as other things. I don't doubt for some there are actual problems, but I have MAJOR issues with it being allowed to let people off. "Oh, s/he's an alcoholic, you can't punish him/her for killing someone in a car accident. It's a disease, and he/she has family issues." |
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