Outline
One of the major types of addiction in America and the rest of the world is alcohol addiction. Alcohol is one of the drugs that enjoys social acceptance thus putting many people at the risk of addiction and subsequent health consequences. Alcohol addiction is characterized by the inability to control drinking due to the increased physical and emotional dependence on it. In the United States, more than 3 million cases of alcohol addiction are reported yearly. Research has shown that genetic factors significantly influence drug dependence. The likelihood of developing alcohol addiction runs in the family. Although scientists have found it increasingly difficult to prove this, what remains apparent is that children of alcoholics are at higher risk of becoming addicts. Studies have revealed that genes that code for better enzyme activity during alcohol metabolism can explain addiction among alcoholics' children. Environmental factors that affect dependence include acceptance by society, availability, advertising and marketing, public policies, and enforcement.
Individuals with alcohol addiction suffer from health and behavioral problems. Health problems include high blood pressure, liver and kidney problems, and cancers. Behavioral problems include agitation, aggression, and self-destructive behavior among others. The family members could be compelled to cater for medical and rehabilitation expenses. They can further suffer from a strained relationship with an addict who can turn out to be abusive or violent. Treatment of alcohol addiction can primarily be provided through therapy and sedatives. The medical procedure is known as detox. Other medications include sedatives, alcohol medication, and vitamins. Therapies that could be used include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, support group, and aversion therapy among others.
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Annotated Bibliography
Edenberg, H. J., & Foroud, T. (2013). Genetics and alcoholism. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology , 10 (8), 487.
The article discusses some of the genes responsible for alcohol addiction. The authors assert that the genes involved in metabolism have the most substantial effect on the development of the correlation between alcoholism and genetics. Some of the genes including ADH1B, ALDH2, GABRA2, and CHRM2 have all been implicated in the addiction or alcohol dependence syndrome.
Galizio, M., & Maisto, S. A. (Eds.). (2013). Determinants of substance abuse: Biological, psychological, and environmental factors . Springer Science & Business Media.
The book discusses some of the environmental factors that could result in the tendency of abusing drugs. In discussing alcohol, it assesses availability as the primary issue in leading to dependence. It also analyzes public policies and the role of enforcement in reducing alcohol levels among people. It also touches on societal acceptance of alcohol as a massive determinant of its abuse.
Orford, J., Natera, G., Copello, A., Atkinson, C., Mora, J., Velleman, R. ... & Walley, G. (2013). Coping with alcohol and drug problems: The experiences of family members in three contrasting cultures . Routledge.
The book provides insights into some of the problems that family members experience when dealing with addicts. It further discusses how family members cope and the necessary ways in which these individuals could get empowerment. The family faces problems and dilemmas in the quest to get the best out of the alcohol addict. It also highlights how alcoholism can lead to strained family relationships and financial issues across various cultures.
Becker, H. C. (2012). Effects of alcohol dependence and withdrawal on stress responsiveness and alcohol consumption. Alcohol research: current reviews , 34 (4), 448.
The article discusses some o the debilitating effects that alcohol abuse can have on an individual. Even though it takes cognizance of the fact that alcohol can relieve stress and anxiety, it illustrates the adverse effects it has on the neuroendocrine system and most fundamentally, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis.
Martin, G. W., & Rehm, J. (2012). The effectiveness of psychosocial modalities in the treatment of alcohol problems in adults: a review of the evidence. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry , 57 (6), 350-358.
The authors of the article attempt to explore on some of the psychosocial strategies in alcohol treatment. Some of the strategies mentioned include motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioral interventions. The author intimate that these can offer better alternatives in ensuring that individuals move out of addiction.
Galanter, M., Kleber, H. D., & Brady, K. (Eds.). (2014). The American Psychiatric Publishing textbook of substance abuse treatment . American Psychiatric Pub.
The article emphasizes the medications and therapies used in the treatment of alcoholism. Among the medication suggested include alcoholism medication, sedative, and vitamins. N the other hand, therapies indicated in the article include counseling, aversion therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy amongst others.
