Alcohol & Alcoholic Myopathy Term Paper

To combat any problem that exists or that could occur in the future because of current actions, you need to understand what that problem is. You need to recognize the telltale signs of its presence, and you need to know the possible causes that can lead to its manifestation. This is true of alcoholism and alcoholic myopathy. Being able to recognize the signs and being aware of the risk factors makes it possible to identify it, to battle it, and hopefully to avoid it. If more people were fully educated about the realities of alcoholism and the risks of alcoholic myopathy, the chances of bringing an end to a disease that has existed for over five hundred years would increase exponentially.
What is alcoholism? In simplest terms, alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol, but it would be an error to think of alcoholism as being simple in any way. It goes far beyond alcohol abuse or overdrinking. ”Alcoholism is a chronic disease in which your body becomes dependent on alcohol”   (Mayo Clinic staff, 2010). It is a need for alcohol that is so potent that the desire to drink overrides a person’s common sense and intellect. This intense craving can lead a person to continue drinking despite the destructive effect that it has on his or her life and physical health, and if not treated, the urge to consume alcohol can become the dominant aspect of an alcoholic’s entire existence.
The primary difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse lies in the addiction factor. Someone that abuses alcohol may continue to do so despite detrimental consequences in his or her life, but he or she does not experience the addiction response that essentially eliminates the choice whether or not to drink.   In addition, alcohol abusers are less likely to experience the withdrawal that is common to alcoholics, and they may not build up a tolerance that requires them to drink greater quantities of alcohol to experience the same effect. It is important to note, however, that someone that abuses...