Alcoholism is a chronic illness characterized by habitual excessive alcohol intake that interferes with physical and mental health. It progresses through four stages - from adaptive drinking to loss of control and dependence, with attempts to stop drinking causing severe withdrawal symptoms. Long-term effects include liver disease, cirrhosis, cancer, and neurological damage. Treatment options include medication-assisted therapy combining prescription drugs and counseling, psycho-social therapy through talk therapy, intensive in-patient programs isolating patients for 28 days, and intensive out-patient programs allowing patients to receive treatment while with family.

2. AlcoholismA chronic illness characterized by the habitual intake of alcohol to the degree in which it interferes with a persons physical and mental health“More than half of Americans have at least 1 close relative with a drinking problem” – National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Erica Camp

3. The Four Stages of Alcoholism First Stage : The Adaptive Stage This stage is when the drinker consumes more than the “normal” amount of alcohol Normal is defined as no more than two 12 ounce beers in one day for men and one 12 ounce beer for women. Tolerance is built Second Stage: Dependence Larger amounts of alcohol + extended period of time = Dependency Begin planning their day around drinking. Uncomfortable and irritable when not drinking. Drinking becomes noticeable to family and friends Third Stage: Progression As the disease progresses, the loss of control becomes apparent. Neglect family members, friends, hobbies Personal hygiene declines Fourth Stage : Conclusion a chronic loss of control, the alcoholic must drink to function. Attempts to stop drinking are accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms which can often lead to death

4. Long Term Effects Liver Disease – most damaging, liver protects body from toxins, defense mechanisms no longer work Cirrhosis of the Liver – liver transplant High Blood pressure Cancer – of the mouth, throat, esophagus, rectum and colon Loss of brain cells, epilepsy and nerve damage DEATH

5. Treatment Medication-Assisted Treatment The combination of Prescription Drugs with Counseling and Behavioral Therapies – medicine to control the urge Psycho-Social Therapy Professionally conducted talk therapy, aimed at modifying behavior 28 Day In-Patient Programs – (Rehab) Highly structured and supervised programs that isolate the patient from the people, places and things to which they are accustomed to. Intensive Out-Patient Programs (IOP) Usually conducted by a Primary Care Physician, this treatment allows the patient to be with the family while getting treatment.