Myths and Realities of Alcoholism - Essay Example

Book I Myths and Realities of Alcoholism This is a ic book on alcoholism, and it is fascinating. Milam and Ketchem (1984), in their opening chapter, give a description of the deep schism, which is found amongst physicians, scientists and facilitators of addiction treatment, over the nature and type of the disease of alcoholism. This problem of alcoholism, amongst many legislators and researchers, it is viewed as a moral issue. This is as opposed to a disease. This is despite the American Medical Association recognizing it as a disease, from the year 1956. This chapter is important to an addiction counselor, mainly because it provides the perception of people, regarding the problem of alcoholism. By understanding these perceptions, the counselor may work towards correcting the perceptions that are wrong, so that an efficient strategy can be developed for purposes of fighting alcohol addiction. Chapter two of this book gives a discussion of the alcohol product in itself. It identifies alcohol as a food, chemical, and drug. Furthermore, this chapter gives a discussion on how the body is able to process alcohol. Understanding the process which the body engages in while processing alcohol is important because it helps in addressing and correcting a myth that alcoholics have emotional and psychological problems, and that is the reason they are drinking. However, this chapter denotes that the problem of alcohol addiction emanates because the bodies of people, is unable to process alcohol in a normal manner. Based on this fact, alcohol addiction is physiological, and it is therefore addictive in a selective manner or method. Furthermore, Milam and Ketcham (1984) explain that 10% of the populations of the world are addictive. This is important information, because it helps in identifying the extent of alcohol addiction in the world. This is an indication that alcohol addiction is a global problem, which has to be solved. Chapter three gives a discussion on the factors responsible for shaping the behavior of an alcoholic. For instance, this chapter explains that the reason of non-alcoholics and alcoholics drinking alcohol is the same. However, continuous consumption of alcohol by non-alcoholics will most definitely turn them to alcoholics. Milam and Ketcham (1984) argue that alcoholics normally use alcohol for purposes of solving their problems. However, the reality is that excessive consumption of alcohol leads to an increase in the psychological and emotional problems. It does not help in solving the problems of the alcoholics. This is important information that can be used in counseling, for purposes of encouraging alcoholics, to stop the excessive consumption of alcohol. Milam and Ketcham (1984) further give a detailed discussion on the progression of alcoholism, from its adaptation in the early stages, to the middle stages, to the final and deteriorative stage of alcoholism. Under the early stages of alcoholism, Milam and Ketcham explain that an individual has an increased sense of tolerance, and their performance improves in virtually all aspects of their lives. The middle stage of alcoholism is characterized by loss of control, craving, and physical dependence on alcohol. At this stage, the emotional problems of an individual would increase, leading to failures and depression. The final stage of alcoholism is development of disease, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and pancreatitis. Understanding these stages and their characteristics is important, mainly because the counselor would manage to identify the stage whereby an alcoholic is, and come up with measures of helping him or her. For instance, correct identification of the final stages of alcoholism, would ensure that the counselor manages to direct the alcoholic to a doctor, so that he or she could seek medical attention. Chapter seven to nine is a continuation of chapter six, and they elaborate on the stages of alcoholism, and their impact on the alcoholic. Another important chapter that is very useful for counselors is chapter ten. It talks about alcoholism and drugs. Milam and Ketcham (1984) argue that the combination of drugs and alcohol is very deadly, and it can have an adverse impact on an individual’s health. Furthermore, the book asserts that the bodies of alcoholics are chemically affected because of the large doses of alcoholic substances, and they have an impact of altering their cells. This can lead to a negative reaction to other drugs. In conclusion, this book by Milam and Ketcham is important because it addresses the causes of alcohol addiction, and the best methods of solving this problem. Furthermore, the authors of this book have managed to identify and highlight the various misconceptions about alcoholism, and alcohol. Furthermore, they argue that the scientific community should develop a standard definition and method of treating alcoholism, and they should not only identify it as a social problem, but also as a medical problem. It is only through this method, that their can be an effective diagnosis, and prevention of alcoholism. Book II Breaking the Chains of Addiction: Johnson (1997) explains that the rehabilitation of the African male addicts and promoting their wellness is a very challenging activity, to social workers, counselors, and government agencies. In explaining this assertion, Johnson argues that the African male people have the highest statistics, concerning the leading causes of death, which are, suicide, stroke, cancer, accidents, heart attacks, and homicide. Furthermore, Johnson asserts that the African male personalities are also faced with a series of social problems, and these problems include, suspensions, high rates of unemployment, confined to special education classes, and inability to effectively enjoy the social and other normal benefits of the country. Johnsons (1997) explains that these problems amongst the African male addicts are brought by, and accelerated by their addiction to cocaine. Furthermore, Johnson explains that an individual suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer is vulnerable to an early death if he or she is an addict, or a heavy user of cocaine. Furthermore, Johnson believes that chronic diseases are accelerated by an emotional and unstable state of mind. These are normally caused by an addiction to drugs, and specifically cocaine. Another negative impact of cocaine is a steady decrease in the life expectancy of the African American male people. This means that with excessive consumption of alcohol, African American male people normally die at a younger age. This type of information is useful to a counselor, mainly because it identifies the negative impacts of the addiction of cocaine. The counselor can therefore use this type of information to convince addicts, on the usefulness of stopping to abuse the consumption of cocaine. As a counselor, possessing information regarding the impacts of drug addiction is a useful tool that can be used in the counseling process. Without this type of information, it is virtually impossible to succeed in this process of counseling. Furthermore, by identifying the most vulnerable group to cocaine addiction, Johnson manages to give out some of the reasons for the emergence of this problem. The reasons identified includes, poor social upbringing, poverty, lack of social programs aimed at improving the quality of life, amongst the black people. In-fact, Johnson (1997) explains that the rates of drug addiction amongst the African-Americans male people, was very high during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. This is because he reduced the social welfare programs that the government was giving to the minorities, resulting to an increase in poverty, which is a major cause of cocaine use and addiction, amongst the African American male people. Through this information, a counselor is able to know that there are groups which are vulnerable to the addiction of drugs. Therefore, while developing counseling programs, the counselor has to identify these vulnerable groups, and develop a program aimed at finding a solution to the problems that affect these groups. Johnson (1997) further explains that the government also plays a role in an increase in the abuse of drugs such as cocaine, in United States. This is because the government treats drug abuse as a crime, as opposed to a disease. In fact, Johnson argues that the laws developed by United States have failed to reduce the abuse of these drugs, and this is mainly because there is the emergence of organized groups, that are responsible for controlling the quality, quantity, and the supply of these drugs. Laws enacted by the country have failed to reduce these crimes. This is a proof that punitive counseling methods or corrective measures are not efficient in reducing the problems of drug abuse in United States. In fact, if these people are imprisoned, without receiving adequate treatment and counseling sessions, chances are high, that when released, they would go back to drugs. This is not an aim of a counselor, and it is because counselors would want to find a permanent solution to drug and substance abuse. Based on this fact, the best method of reducing drug addiction is through treatment, as opposed to jailing of people responsible for abusing and using the drugs under consideration. Furthermore, developing a public health policy, responsible for treating drug abusers would limit the amount of drugs trafficked into the country. This is beneficial, in the sense that the accessibility of these drugs will be limited, resulting to a low rate of drug abuse. As a counselor, the knowledge obtained from this book is useful, and very important. This book provides a detailed analysis of the impact of cocaine, in African American families, and the inadequate policies developed by the government for purposes of solving these problems. Having knowledge on the factors responsible for increasing the consumption of cocaine is important, because it will help the counselor to develop a plan on how to prevent an individual from abusing these drugs, and finding a lasting solution to the problem of drug and substance abuse. References: Johnson, O. (1997). Breaking the chains of cocaine: Black male addiction and recovery. Chicago, Ill.: African American Images. Top of Form Bottom of Form Milam, J., & Ketcham, K. (1984). Under the influence: A guide to the myths and realities of alcoholism (Bantam ed.). Toronto: Bantam Books. Read More