Treating Alcoholism A Chronic Disease
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Other.
Treating Alcoholism: Understanding It as a Chronic Disease
Summary
For individuals with alcohol dependence to receive the necessary support, healthcare providers must acknowledge that alcoholism is a treatable chronic disease.---
Lisa R.'s story is one shared by many. Growing up in a seemingly perfect family, she secretly witnessed the devastating effects of her mother's alcoholism. Despite living in a loving home, her mother’s daily drinking eventually led to liver disease and death when Lisa was just 22. Now, at 35, Lisa herself is in recovery from this same disease.
In the United States, nearly one in four children experiences alcohol abuse or dependence within their family before turning 18. Yet, many alcoholics attempt to face this challenge alone, viewing it as a test of willpower instead of a medical condition that requires treatment.
“I never realized alcohol addiction was a disease,” Lisa shares. “I thought my mother just chose to act that way. Only after experiencing it myself did I understand her struggle. I felt hopeless, believing I’d end up like her, with no hope for help.”
Recognizing alcoholism as a treatable disease is crucial for helping those affected. Barbara Mason, Ph.D., from the Scripps Research Institute, explains, "Scientific advancements have deepened our understanding of how chronic alcohol exposure disrupts brain chemistry, helping us develop treatments that aim to restore this balance and support sobriety."
Alcoholism remains a significant issue, costing the U.S. $185 billion annually in various social costs. Alarmingly, many individuals are neither diagnosed nor treated, with 82% of doctors reportedly avoiding the topic with their patients. Surprisingly, most families want their doctors to address the issue.
Despite over eight million people suffering from alcohol dependence, only about 20% seek treatment. In recent years, there have been few breakthroughs in treatment options. However, the FDA approved Campral (acamprosate calcium) as a new medication to help maintain abstinence as part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support.
Clinical trials have shown that Campral not only helps maintain abstinence but also significantly delays the time to the first drink. Lisa, like many others, faced repeated struggles to overcome her dependence, but found success by combining behavioral therapy with Campral. “I once thought I could never quit, but with medication and group therapy, I can resist the urge to drink," Lisa shares. She's remained abstinent since beginning this treatment.
Campral is not suitable for patients with severe renal impairment or known hypersensitivity. It does not alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and patients should be monitored for depression or suicidal thoughts. Common side effects include weakness, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and itching.
Recognizing and treating alcoholism as a chronic disease can transform lives, offering hope and a path to recovery for millions like Lisa.
References:
1. Grant, B.F., et al. "The 12-month prevalence and trends in DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence: United States, 1991-1992 and 2001-2002." Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2004.
2. The Rush Study. "Attitudes Toward Alcoholism." conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates.
3. Forest Laboratories, Inc., data.
4. Campral Prescribing Information, Forest Laboratories, Inc., 2004.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Treating Alcoholism A Chronic Disease.
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