Response to alcoholism is not a disease

Comment on the brain science of reinforcing neural pathways in the limbic system of the brain and the disease model. What we know about causes of illnesses is so limited, that I agree that alcoholism does not fit in a box. But I do believe that we need to recognize alcoholism and other addictions as a physical disease once the cycle of compulsive drinking begins.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Alcoholic
• alcoholism
• alcoholism symptoms
• signs of alcoholism
• alcoholism disease

[AddictionBlog]

The more I learn about the brain, the more it's clear that taking drugs or drinking heavily and chronically changes the way that the brain works. So even if you have no tendency to drink or drug, if you use substances over time...your brain will change. THIS is the science of the brain that is in its golden age. I'm sure we'll learn lots more.

[AddictionBlog]

What option other than taking an internal moral inventory do you recommend for seeing a new perspective to past actions? If you want to continue to believe that you are always right, don't do a 4th step.

[AddictionBlog]

I appreciate the opinion. Fact remains that in 8-13% of the population, the mesolimbic system which controls the pleasure center of the brain is DIFFERENT from birth. In these people, the neurons work to create a self-reinforcing pathway which rewards the generation of euphoria from substances or actions: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, behaviors. Addiction is NOT a penchant or weakness of character. It is brain chemistry.

[AddictionBlog]

In both cases, psychiatrists agree that these illnesses are mental disorders. Mental illness is not a choice, but a combination of physical (neurological abnormalities), environmental and developmental factors. I do not believe that people "choose" mental illness. beautifulmind546 - your opinion encourages stigma and discrimination against addicts.

[AddictionBlog]

In both cases, psychiatrists agree that these illnesses are mental disorders. Mental illness is not a choice, but a combination of physical (neurological abnormalities), environmental and developmental factors. I do not believe that people "choose" mental illness. beautifulmind546 - your pinion encourages stigma and discrimination against addicts.

[AddictionBlog]

Hi rebuilding. Thanks for your response. I think that the more I learn about addiction and alcoholism, the more I learn that the brain of the alcoholic is different, but the initial use of substances is common to all mankind. I, too, started from a Christian background...and recovery allowed me to open up to other paths. I think that we as alcoholics in recovery can benefit from the teachings of all masters. As Jesus said, "In my Father's house, there are many rooms."

[kevinfirstnamefinn]

@bigleague5 I love it.... Great post.

[karmalevel]

@bigleague5 I was being facetious!

[bigleague5]

@karmalevel

It is your fault.

[bigleague5]

Solution to the "disease": never take the first drink!!!! It's all a choice. Stop making excuses!!

[karmalevel]

I am an addict and I love this video!  it's not my fault after all. I can now use with impunity

[AnD333]

When you said we don't even know what causes cancer, really brought your point home for me. I think all of us of a sane mind can agree that there is no way to pin what the exact nature of behavior is, cause there is so many variables.

[gamerdaddy]

@Xerock Sorry, but you are totally mistaken. Naltrexone doesn't allow me to feel that "joy" that alcohol normally does.

I'm talking about the Sinclair Method here and it seems you are talking about the regular/common treatment. In this method you only take the medicine WHEN you drink.

And it worked!!!

:D

[Xerock]

@gamerdaddy

All Naltrexone does is block the chemical reaction that makes people feel less at ease when they are not indulging in obsessive behavior. It does nothing to combat the effect of alcohol on the body or the underlying psychological need that started your problem. The hope is that while this medicine is blocking the stimulus, you'll find more constructive ways of obtaining contentment than through alcohol.

[Xerock]

Alcoholism is no more a health issue or a mental health issue than eating rat poison. Its not a eating compulsion like pica because its a learned behavior. Alcoholism not caused by external parasitic organisms nor is it caused by self-establishing biological defects.

Alcoholists are just making excuses for their lack of discipline and personal responsibility.