What is Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD? Is it just a new name for alcoholism? Or is it something else? Here are the facts. DSM: Alcohol Use Disorder Doctors and mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They use it because it defines mental disorders and illnesses. The fifth …
Almost everyone has heard that alcoholism and denial are related. And probably everyone has heard the old “Have you stopped beating your wife” trick question. Answering either yes or no damns the respondent. Similarly, the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step program also supports a “heads I win, tails you lose” trick question. Question: “Are you alcoholic?” …
Exactly what is alcoholism? Alcoholism isn’t a “thing” but a cluster of behaviors. It’s often called a disease. However, most facts suggests that it is not. Indeed, many doctors reject the theory that alcoholism is a disease. They do so for lack of facts supporting it. Visit Is Alcoholism a Disease? to learn more about the …
There are many treatments for alcoholism. Some are effective. But most are not not. And being well-known is completely unrelated to which work and which don’t. Here’s a list of common treatments for alcoholism. Each heading is a link. Acupuncture Acupuncture has been a therapy for thousands of years in China. It’s rather new in …
Many doctors reject alcoholism as a disease. There are many public statements that alcoholism is a disease. But as Dr. Lynne Appleton says, “medical practice rejects treating it as such. Not only does alcoholism not follow the model of a ‘disease,’ it is not amenable to standard medical treatment.”1 Dr. Appleton explains that “medical research …
A substantial proportion of doctors in the U.S. believe that alcoholism is a behavioral pattern. They reject the theory that alcoholism is a disease. So they don’t treat it themselves. Instead, they typically send their patients to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA Beliefs In AA, alcoholics are taught that they Suffer from an incurable disease. Must …
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and some others think alcoholism a progressive disease. They believe the alcoholic has no control over it. So the only effective treatment is complete abstention from all alcohol. The Theory The theory that alcoholism is a progressive disease is the foundation upon which AA and other 12 step programs are based. Writing …
In the mid-1930’s, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began promoting the theory that alcoholism is a disease. Alcoholics latched onto the theory because they could see themselves as victims of a disease. Thus, they wern’t responsible for their drinking problem. Doctors, hospitals, and alcohol rehabs liked the theory because they could then be paid for treating the …
Is alcoholism a disease? The debate is over whether alcoholism is a disease or simply a serious behavioral problem. It’s continued for over 200 years. And it doesn’t appear likely to end anytime soon. The disease theory of alcoholism is just that… an unproven theory. I. Disease Theory Propositions Dr. Herbert Fingarette notes that the …
Acupuncture has been a therapeutic technique for thousands of years in China. It’s relatively new in the West. However, it’s now popular there as well. That includes acupuncture for alcoholism treatment. For this reason, it’s often offered as a treatment option. Overview Acupuncture Theory Acupuncture for Alcoholism Effectiveness Acupuncture is Popular Resources I. Acupuncture Theory …
