Alcoholism As A Disease: A Case Study

Words: 368
Pages: 2

Classifying and accepting alcoholism as a disease has the potential to change the approach to treatment. Often, patients experience alcohol use disorder as a chronic, reoccurring condition. This condition involves multiple cycles of treatment, abstinence, and relapse. The most common means to disrupt this cycle includes continuing care that involves a combination of self-help groups, 12-step group counseling, and individual therapy (McKay & Hiller-Sturmhofel, 2011). Unfortunately, these programs rely on the willing participation of the patient, which is not always the case. Other factors also make continuing care difficult, including: limited funding, lack of patient comfort or satisfaction with the treatment services available, and schedule