Alcoholism is a problem that millions of people in the US and other parts of the world grapple with. This problem is responsible for broken homes and ill health. Given the serious challenges that it causes, one is forced to wonder why alcoholics are unable to abandon drinking. The answer lies in the addictive nature of alcohol. Despite their best efforts, many alcoholics are simply unable to regain their sobriety. Lack of sympathy and harsh criticism compounds their problems and make it even more difficult for these individuals to lead healthier lives. To tackle alcoholism, love and understanding from family and friends are needed.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) sheds light on the signs that accompany various disorders. For substance use disorder, this tool stipulates that an individual should have struggled with consuming huge amounts of the substance (APA, 2013). For example, alcoholics find it difficult to control the amount of alcohol that they consume. The DSM diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorder leads me to find that e the behaviors of addicts are unintentional, unwilful and beyond their control. I have witnessed as some of my friends struggle with alcohol addiction. Their families and friends have referred them to programs which have failed to deliver any meaningfully positive outcomes. My experiences with these individuals have served to reinforce my belief that alcoholism is a serious addiction which pushes individuals to engage in destructive behaviors. I believe that the continued use of dangerous substances by addicts is un-willful, unintentional and non-volitional. Essentially, these individuals have lost all control and are at the mercy of their addictions. Since I think that alcoholism is an addiction, I do not see the need for developing an alternative theory for explaining the behaviors of alcoholics. The addiction theory offers a compelling and sufficient explanation. As I have already shared, since they are addicted, the individuals are unable to shield their loves one from pain and harm. They continue to consume the substances despite understanding full well that their loved ones are hurting and desperately wish that they would quit using the substance.
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One of the questions posed to alcoholics concerns their inability to abandon drinking. Many wonder whether these individuals simply lack the strength, maturity and will to remain sober. Personally, I feel that the struggles that alcoholics face go beyond a mere question of will. As noted above, I think that alcoholism is an addiction and that alcoholics deserve sympathy and understanding. In order to clarify my perspective, it is important to supply an example. The case of Nelson, a 34 year old father of three lovely girls can be considered. For years, Nelson has struggled with alcoholism. He has been fired from several jobs and is the brink of losing his wife who feels that his alcoholism is devastating the family. Moreover, Nelson has lost most of his friends who find his alcoholism to be toxic and dangerous. Nelson understands that by continue to consume alcohol, he is hurting his friends and family. Yet, he is unable to stop drinking. The example of Nelson makes it clear that alcoholics are not necessarily weak individuals who lack commitment. Instead, they are simply victims of an addiction that has gripped them firmly.
As noted earlier, the DSM sheds light on the symptoms that define various substance abuse and addictive disorders. Among the criteria that characterize these disorders include loss of control over the amount of substance consumed and multiple unsuccessful attempts to abandon the substance (APA, 2013). I feel that these two criteria can be applied to gambling and sexual impulsivity. I understand that gamblers spend huge amounts on bets. They visit casinos with the intention of spending a small amount. However, as they suffer losses, they invest more in the hope of recouping the losses. Recognizing the damage that gambling has caused, these individuals attempt to quit this habit. For most of the individuals, the attempts are futile. The same applies to those struggling with sexual impulsivity. These individuals simply lack control and all their efforts to develop healthier sexual lives and relationships have failed. Therefore, some of the elements of the diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorder apply appropriately to the diagnosis of sexual impulsivity and gambling disorder.
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
