in response to W H O K N E W... Alcoholism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions to describe the detrimental effects of alcohol intake.
In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite health problems and negative social consequences. Modern medical definitions[1] describe alcoholism as a disease and addiction which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, alcoholism, also referred to as dipsomania[2] described a preoccupation with, or compulsion toward the consumption of, alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Although not all of these definitions specify current and on-going use of alcohol as a qualifier for alcoholism, some do, as well as remarking on the long-term effects of consistent, heavy alcohol use, including dependence and symptoms of withdrawal.
While the ingestion of alcohol is, by definition, necessary to develop alcoholism, the use of alcohol does not predict the development of alcoholism. It is estimated that 9% of the general population is pre disposed to alcoholism based on genetic factors. The quantity, frequency and regularity of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism varies greatly from person to person. In addition, although the biological mechanisms underpinning alcoholism are uncertain, some risk factors, including social environment, stress,[3] emotional health and genetic predisposition, have been identified.
The definitions of alcoholism and related terminology vary significantly between the medical community, treatment programs, and the general public.
Medical definitions
The Journal of the American Medical Association defines alcoholism as "a primary, chronic disease characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking."[4]
The DSM-IV (the standard for diagnosis in psychiatry and psychology) defines alcohol abuse as repeated use despite recurrent adverse consequences.[5] It further defines alcohol dependence as alcohol abuse combined with tolerance, withdrawal, and an uncontrollable drive to drink.[5] (See DSM diagnosis below.)
According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, alcoholism is the popular term for alcohol dependence.[5] Note that there is debate whether dependence in this use is physical (characterised by withdrawal), psychological (based on reinforcement), or both.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into alcoholism .
Dipsomania is a term which describes an uncontrollable craving for alcohol. The etymology breaks down as "compulsive thirst," but the term when used in practice is reserved primarily related to the uncontrollable consumption of alcohol. As a result, a dipsomaniac is a person in whom this condition appears in the form of a physical and psychological craving for ethyl alcohol, especially liquor.
The term "dipsomania" appears to predate "alcoholism".[1] In European languages, the standard medical term dipsomania is unchanged from one language to the next. A search of MedicineNet[2] for dipsomania returns "dipsomania" (an abnormal craving for alcohol)"; a search of MediLexicon[3] for dipsomania returns "a recurring compulsion to drink alcoholic beverages to excess". Searching for dipsomania on HealthLine[4] returns articles on alcoholism. There appears to be no real difference between the definitions of dipsomania and alcoholism, although in psychiatric circles, the etiology of this phenomenon does differentiate itself from true alcoholism.
Amongst people struggling with this affliction, the term dipsomania is almost identical to alcoholism. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous describes alcoholics thus: "We alcoholics are men and women who have lost the ability to control our drinking. We know that no real alcoholic ever recovers control. All of us felt at times that we were regaining control, but such intervals, usually brief, were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization."[5] This description of the alcoholics' struggle is almost identical to the description in the first paragraph. In the first chapter of AA, the doctor describes the life of the alcoholic: "After they have succumbed to the desire (i.e. the "lust for alcohol") again, as so many do, and the phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again. This is repeated over and over...[6]
There appears to be no cure for dipsomania (or alcoholism), with the exception of abstinence from alcohol of any kind. Dipsomanics tend to be social, outgoing individuals, who find an unusual phenomenon overtakes any will not to drink, and the compulsion becomes so overwhelming that it cannot be stopped in many cases. The dipsomaniac (or alcoholic) will fall prey to this compulsion and eventually drink until blackouts, seizures, or even death, occurs.
The one thing I've learned In order not to get resentments I must think it out "How does this effect me" "Why do I even care what your thoughts are" I did give you an apology sort of indirectly and if you didnn't read it I'm sorry.
Gary
