Is Alcoholism a Disease?

Is Alcoholism a Disease?

You may have heard this before. This definition goes all the way back to the 1940s when an influential article was released by a German university.

The article depicted a series of recognizable steps that those struggling with alcohol addiction went through. The series of steps were predictable and always the same, no matter the person’s background, age, gender, or personality. They function this way:

1. An individual starts drinking.

2. The individual finds that drinking alcohol is exceedingly pleasurable for them, perhaps more pleasurable than for other people.

3. The individual starts to drink more than others.

4. The individual continues to drink heavily and eventually spirals into increasingly greater difficulties because of their drinking.

Today, we still think about alcoholism in this way, and if you have someone in your life who is struggling with alcoholism, you may have noticed these phases in their progression to a dire state of alcoholism, as well. It’s possible you even notice these phases of progression in yourself.

So, Is Alcoholism a Disease that Can Be Cured?

For many conditions, a strict progression or structure of symptoms is evidence of a disease. A disease may also be defined as a specific habit, quality, or disposition that is negative. The habit, quality, or disposition must be adversely affecting an individual or a group of individuals.

By these definitions, we can come to the conclusion that alcoholism is indeed a disease. It is a consistent habit that adversely affects the individual who is drinking. It may also adversely affect those around the individual.

Alcoholism cannot be cured, but it can be put into remission.

Why Some People Don’t Think Alcoholism Is a Disease

If you’re wondering why we even have to clarify that alcoholism is a disease, you are not alone. The truth is that many people don’t see it as a disease. Many people think that alcoholism is a choice, in fact. It is assumed by some that if an individual becomes an alcoholic, they did so because they lacked willpower.

So is alcoholism a disease? In the end, it doesn’t matter whether or not you believe that alcoholism is a definable disease. What’s important is knowing that no one chooses to become an alcoholic. It’s also important to know that alcohol dependence is real, and recovery is not easy.

Medical studies show that real changes happen within the nervous system when someone drinks consistently and heavily. The body essentially adapts to alcohol being constantly in its system. We know that this results in chemical addiction. This is because alcohol withdrawal symptoms will set in if someone who drank heavily for a long period of time abruptly stops.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re still wondering, “Is alcoholism a disease,” take a moment and release this question from your concerns. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with alcohol abuse disorder, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a disease or not. You simply need help, and that should be your primary concern.

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida can help anyone recover from addiction. We offer the following programs:

• Alcohol detox
• Men’s drug addiction rehab program 
• Women’s drug addiction rehab program
• Anger management
• Holistic treatment such as fitness therapy and horseback riding therapy

Your recovery can start as soon as today. Give Beaches Recovery a call today at 866.605.0532 to speak with a dedicated addiction specialist. It’s never too late to turn your life around.