Alcohol addiction is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by an intense craving for alcohol and continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences. It can lead to physical and psychological dependence and can be very difficult to overcome without treatment (Eriksen & Hoeck, 2022).
Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. People with alcohol addiction may have a strong need to drink alcohol, even when it is harmful to their health. They may feel that they cannot control their drinking or may feel that they need to drink in order to feel normal. People with alcohol addiction may drink heavily, or they may drink only occasionally but in large amounts. They may try to stop drinking or cut back on their drinking, but they are unable to do so. Alcohol addiction can lead to social and financial problems, as well as health problems.
There are a number of factors that may increase an individual’s likelihood of developing alcoholism. These include having a family history of alcoholism, experiencing chronic stress, having easy access to alcohol, and peer pressure. Those with a family history of alcoholism are at a higher risk for developing the disease themselves. This is due to both genetic and environmental factors. They may also be exposed to a home environment that is more conducive to drinking. Chronic stress can also lead to alcoholism. This is because individuals may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the stress in their lives. Additionally, drinking can become a way to escape from reality and numb the pain (Kruse et al., 2020). Easy access to alcohol is another risk factor because individuals who have easy access to alcohol are more likely to drink frequently and in large quantities hence developing tolerance and dependence. Furthermore, peer pressure is a commonly related reason why people start drinking alcohol. It is also a significant factor why people continue to drink, even when they are struggling with addiction. Peer pressure can come from many different sources. It can be as simple as friends or family members who drink regularly and make it seem like fun. It can also be more subtle, like feeling like you need to drink to fit in or be accepted. Whatever the source, peer pressure is a powerful force. It can be hard to resist, especially if you are already feeling insecure or vulnerable. If you have a history of mental health problems or trauma, you may be especially susceptible to the effects of peer pressure.
There are many things to consider when discussing the culture surrounding alcohol addiction within healthcare. One important thing to consider is the stigma that is often attached to alcohol addiction. This stigma can make it difficult for people to seek help for their addiction, as they may feel ashamed or embarrassed (Hammarlund, et al 2018). Additionally, the culture surrounding alcohol addiction can be one of denial, as many people may not want to believe that someone they know or love is struggling with addiction. This denial can make it difficult for people to get the help they need. Finally, it is important to consider the impact that alcohol addiction can have on families and relationships. This impact can be significant, and it is important to be aware of it when discussing the culture surrounding alcohol addiction within healthcare. Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in helping people with alcohol addiction to get the treatment they need. There are a number of things that healthcare professionals can do to help people with alcohol addiction. They can provide education about the risks of alcohol addiction, offer support and guidance, and refer people to treatment programs. Healthcare professionals can also help to monitor people with alcohol addiction to ensure that they are receiving the help they need.
References
Eriksen, L. L., & Hoeck, B. (2022). The construction of meaning in alcohol addiction: A narrative study of socially excluded people’s stories about alcohol. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 39(1), 76-88.
Hammarlund, R., Crapanzano, K. A., Luce, L., Mulligan, L., & Ward, K. M. (2018). Review of the effects of self-stigma and perceived social stigma on the treatment-seeking decisions of individuals with drug-and alcohol-use disorders. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 9, 115.
Kruse, C. S., Lee, K., Watson, J. B., Lobo, L. G., Stoppelmoor, A. G., & Oyibo, S. E. (2020). Measures of effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of telemedicine in the management of alcohol abuse, addiction, and rehabilitation: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 22(1), e13252.
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