Alcoholism

Alcoholism may be traced to a liver enzyme malfunction, which triggers the alcoholic's need to drink more and more to try and stop the buildup of the acetaldehyde (Miliam 35-37).
             People with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to begin drinking before age twenty and to become an alcoholic. A stable family and psychological health are not protective in people with genetic risk and there is no way to predict who will become an alcoholic. "The debate on whether alcoholism is a disease or a personal conduct problem has continued for over 200 years. In the United States, Benjamin Rush, M.D. has been credited with first identifying alcoholism as a disease in 1784" (Hobbs 65). In the eyes of those that support the disease theory, alcoholism should not be judged as a problem of willpower or misconduct, it should be accepted as a disease with a strong influence, obvious signs and symptoms, and a fatal outcome if not treated.
             Biological Treatment Approaches (Pharmacotherapy).
             Biological approaches include a variety of treatments such as a variety of medications that reduce the alcoholics craving for alcohol, and that reduces stress during the detoxification process. Medication is also used for the underlying mental health problems that the alcoholic may have due to his/her alcohol dependence. Currently, therapists primarily use two types of medications in alcoholism treatment: (1) aversive medications, which deter the patient from drinking, and (2) anti-craving medications, which reduce the patient's desire to drink.
             Aversive Medications (Deter the patient from drinking).
             The most commonly used aversive medication in alcoholism treatment is disulfiram. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction when the patient consumes alcohol. The medication causes nausea, vomiting, flushing, and increased blood pressure and heart rate when the patient ingests alcohol. The primary value of drugs of this type seems to be their ability to interrupt the alcoholic cycle for a period of time, during which psychological therapy may be undertaken (Gorlick, 1993).