That being said, there are many cases of people developing an addiction to alcohol when they had no previous family history of it. Evaluating whether alcoholism is a disease requires an examination of the factors that contribute to alcoholism. For example, some of the effects of alcohol on the brain are immediate, such as an impairment in decision-making and short-term memory after just one or two drinks. The short answer to the question of whether alcoholism is a disease and if it can be cured is that while it is most certainly a disease, there is no known cure for it. “People shouldn’t wake up in the morning and say, ‘Let’s see, what disease am I trying to prevent today?
Is There A Cure For Alcoholism?
If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Alcohol also binds to GABA and glutamate receptors in the brain, suppressing neuron activity, which reduces feelings of distress. Over time, the brain adjusts by producing less dopamine and eliminating dopamine receptors.
Can Alcohol Addiction Be Cured or Only Managed?
When this happens, the individual or family members may hope for an easy way to end the problem through providing treatment that leads to a cure. By classifying is alcoholism curable alcoholism as a chronic disease, it means that alcoholism is viewed as a progressive, long-lasting illness where there is no cure. No cure, however, does not mean there is no hope for long-term recovery. Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, alcoholism and its symptoms can be successfully managed with proper treatment. Rehab for alcoholism can also be obtained on either an outpatient or inpatient basis.
Will I Relapse After Treatment?
With little reservation, the medical community has labeled it as such for nearly a century. Simply by falling into the category of disease makes alcoholism potentially curable. Time and training are the most important aspects of alcoholism treatment. While you’ll never get rid of the cravings completely, you can diminish them and train yourself in how to avoid situations involving alcohol. Through treatment and ongoing support, people can achieve long-term recovery from AUD. People with more severe AUD, or who lack a support system or stable living situation, will https://ecosoberhouse.com/ want to consider inpatient treatment.
- At first, a person will be able to choose whether they drink alcohol.
- American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab programs across the U.S.
- But, just like with any chronic disease, a lack of symptoms does not mean the disease is cured.
- If we maintain a commitment to do what is necessary to treat our condition, we essentially are cured.
Preventing Relapse: Is Alcohol Addiction a Lifelong Battle?
We encourage you to seek out counselling that will help you cope with the situation you find yourself in. It is also important to note that using medications without modifying drinking behaviour can create a more serious problem. A doctor’s prescription will be accompanied by advice directing you to seek counselling and/or support group participation. Being treated for alcoholism may mean being prescribed a drug known as naltrexone.
Moderate drinkers, on the other hand, tend to exercise regularly, sleep more and have healthier habits in general, which could help explain their lower death rate. Alcoholism is like a fitness freak who does 500 pushups every day. alcohol rehab The moment we try to fool ourselves into believing that we are somehow suddenly immune to alcoholism, we are in trouble. For one thing, there isn\’t really a pill to stop the cunning and baffling urges that an alcoholic experiences. Further adding to the perplexity of the disease is the idea that one drink is too many, but never enough.
You can also check your health insurance benefits using the form below or contact free drug and alcohol hotline numbers. Intentionally staying involved with addiction recovery support, also known as aftercare, can help minimize relapse. Recovery support could include formal aftercare programs facilitated by professional addiction services, informal relationships built in the community, and much in between. Many rehab centers will set patients up with aftercare as part of discharging them from a program. Treatment professionals help patients navigate aftercare options to find the right fit. Similarly, alcoholism can be managed through treatment and recovery with diligence and commitment.