Is Alcoholism a Disease or Choice?

Alcoholism is a progressive disease that makes it impossible for the alcoholic to predict how much they’ll drink. For many, alcoholism is a disease, but alcoholism is a choice for others. Let’s explore both sides of the argument and the evidence supporting each. Then, individuals can reach out to an alcohol rehab center by calling 866.308.2090 to find the support necessary to heal.

How Is Alcoholism a Disease?

An active alcoholic cannot control their drinking and stop drinking even when experiencing consequences. Alcoholics, in particular, may struggle with denial over their dependence. Alcoholics suffer from a mental obsession, which they’re powerless over. Generally, they develop a craving for alcohol stronger than their willpower to resist the urge to drink. Long-term alcoholism produces physical dependence. So, some alcoholics are physically addicted and, when attempting to quit drinking alcohol, experience withdrawal symptoms. Some organizations in the United States that recognize alcoholism as a disease include:

• The American Psychiatric Association
• American Society of Addiction Medicine
• The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• National Institute on Drug Abuse

In the past, people misunderstood addiction as a choice. However, today, we know how alcohol causes changes in the brain, messing with someone’s ability to make rational decisions about their alcohol consumption.

Can Alcohol Abuse Be a Chronic Disease?

Today, alcohol falls under the category of chronic disease. Even though there are many ways to label something a chronic disease or condition, these are the most common parameters:

• Extended duration
• Caused by many factors
• Vaccines don’t exist
• Medication to cure it doesn’t exist
• Requires ongoing, long-term medical attention

Based on the criteria, alcoholism is a chronic condition. We know that alcoholism is the result of many environmental and hereditary factors. There’s also no vaccine to prevent alcoholism. Plus, alcoholism medications help with recovery but don’t cure it. Finally, people with alcohol abuse problems need long-term rehab support to ensure recovery. Close to 25-50% of people with substance use disorders have a chronic illness. To them, addiction is a progressive disease. As a result, it requires intensive treatment and continuing aftercare to manage their recovery.

How Is Alcoholism a Brain Disease?

Besides the mental health portion of addiction, alcoholism is considered a brain disease because it affects its operation. Generally, alcoholism causes compulsive behavior and disrupts a person’s critical thinking ability. Brain scans show the impact of chronic alcohol use, confirming cell damage in the brains of alcoholics. Excessive drinking can damage the brain’s frontal lobe, which is responsible for executive function and decision-making.

Effects of Alcoholism

The long-term effects of alcoholism can be devastating and even fatal. Many people struggling with alcohol abuse face legal and financial problems. Additionally, addicts experience strained relationships with their families, which can take years of recovery to rebuild.

The Reward System

Alcohol produces a surge of dopamine and over-stimulates the brain’s basal ganglia, responsible for controlling our reward system. With alcohol abuse, the nerves in this area reduce their sensitivity to dopamine, eventually developing someone’s tolerance for alcohol. Ultimately, drinkers consume more substantial amounts of alcohol, hoping to feel the same euphoria they once did.

Poorer Quality of Life

The dopamine neurotransmitters that manage pleasure are also responsible for eating food, engaging in social interaction, and having sex. When our reward system suffers from substance abuse, it often results in people experiencing less and less enjoyment from other areas of their lives when they’re not under the influence.

Painful Withdrawal Symptoms & Dangerous Health Effects

Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening for someone who has been drinking for an extended time. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and health risks factors include:

Why Do People Say Alcoholism Is a Choice?

Even with all the evidence and research behind alcoholism, some people still believe it’s a choice. Truthfully, the first use or the early-stage use of alcohol may be by choice. However, once someone’s drinking patterns become chronic, addiction changes their brain makeup, eventually causing them to lose control of their behavior. Choice doesn’t determine whether something is a chronic disease. For example, consider conditions such as diabetes and cancer, which can often offset one’s personal preferences for exercise, sun exposure, or diet. Additionally, some people argue someone can overcome alcoholism without treatment. While this might be true for early abusers, those with a chronic alcohol addiction need intensive treatment. Without treatment, most people can experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can be fatal.

Am I an Alcoholic? [Quiz]

Unlike drugs, society accepts alcohol use. From office parties to family events, alcohol isn’t a substance people frown upon. Day drinking, binge drinking, and having a couple of drinks during dinner are socially accepted behaviors. So, how can you know if you’re struggling with alcoholism? Let’s start by asking yourself these questions: If you answered yes to more than five of these questions, you might have an alcohol problem. It might be helpful to speak with an addiction specialist to better understand your relationship with alcohol. You can also take our “Am I an Alcoholic” quiz below for a more comprehensive evaluation. Remember that this quiz is not meant to diagnose or treat. It’s best to use as an educational tool.

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Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction

While there’s no cure for alcoholism that comes in pill form, there are ways to manage alcohol addiction. Treatment options range from group therapy to 12-Step programs and attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our alcoholism treatment options offer a comprehensive and holistic look at the disease. We also look at mental health repercussions beyond medical detox and group and family therapy. Most people struggling with alcohol use disorder might benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment plan that focuses on their addiction and mental health struggles. Addicts generally tend to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses that make it challenging to fight addiction and stay in recovery in the long term. Finally, alcohol addiction treatment is a long-term process. After leaving a treatment center, recovering alcoholics are encouraged to continue their treatment by following the 12-Steps program and seeking aftercare treatments. Both programs can help those in recovery build long-term coping mechanisms and lifestyle skills that help them recover and maintain sobriety.

Start Your Journey Today at Lighthouse Recovery

If you or someone you love struggles with alcoholism, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. Start by contacting our admissions specialists to learn more about our treatment programs. Alcoholism can be a dangerous disease affecting your health, family, relationships, and work environment. Don’t let alcohol take away the best years of your life.