Understanding Alcoholism: Factors, Treatment, and Recovery

Posted on Apr 11, 2025 in Psychology and Sociology

Alcoholism

Alcoholism occurs when a person shows signs of physical addiction to alcohol (e.g., tolerance and withdrawal) and continues to drink despite problems with physical health, mental health, social responsibilities, family, or work.

Predisposing Factors

  • Being under peer pressure
  • Having depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia
  • Having easy access to alcohol
  • Having low self-esteem or problems with interpersonal relationships
  • Maintaining a stressful lifestyle
  • Living in a culture where there is high social acceptance of alcohol

Treatment

Objective

Completely stop drinking alcohol and then remain abstinent. Abstinence is defined as the renunciation of the use of alcohol.

1. Intervention

The ideal method is to help people realize how much damage alcohol is doing to their lives and the lives of those around them. They can aim for a personal goal to lead a fulfilling and sober life.

2. Abstinence

It is necessary to be evaluated for other medical problems, as liver problems and blood clotting issues are common in people with alcoholism. Complications such as delirium tremens (DT) could be fatal. Depression or other anxiety or mood disorders can manifest once the person stops drinking alcohol and should be treated promptly.

3. Long-Term Recovery

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Drugs to Decrease Relapse
  • Acamprosate
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse): Produces very unpleasant side effects.
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Decreases alcohol cravings and is available as an injection.

Bioethics and Environment

Animal Rights

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was adopted by the International League of Animal Rights. The declaration, proclaimed on October 15, 1978, by the International League, associated national leagues, and individuals, was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and subsequently by the United Nations Organization (UN).

Preamble (Causes)

  • Whereas every animal has rights.
  • Whereas disregard and contempt for these rights have led and continue to lead humans to commit crimes against nature and animals.
  • Whereas humans commit genocide, and there is a threat of committing further acts.
  • Whereas respect for animals by humans is linked to respect among humans themselves.
  • Considering that education should teach, from childhood, to observe, understand, respect, and love animals.

Article 1

All animals are born equal and have the same right to existence.

Article 2

  1. Every animal is entitled to respect.
  2. Humans, as an animal species, cannot claim the right to exterminate other animals or exploit them in violation of this right. Humans are obliged to use their knowledge for the service of animals.
  3. All animals have the right to attention, care, and protection by humans.

Article 3

No animal shall be subjected to ill-treatment or cruelty. If the death of an animal is necessary, it must be instantaneous, painless, and without causing distress.

Article 4

  1. All animals belonging to a wild species have the right to live freely in their own natural environment (terrestrial, aerial, or aquatic) and to reproduce.
  2. Any deprivation of freedom, even for educational purposes, is contrary to this right.

Article 5

  1. Any animal belonging to a species that traditionally lives in the human environment has the right to live and grow at the rhythm and under the conditions of life and freedom that are proper to its species.