Alcoholism is a topic often surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. You may wonder: is alcoholism a disease or a choice? This question is vital not only for those struggling with alcohol abuse but also for their families seeking to understand and support their loved ones. 

Is Alcohol Considered a Drug?

The first step in understanding alcoholism is recognizing that alcohol is indeed considered a drug. Just like other substances such as nicotine or caffeine, alcohol affects the body and mind, altering mood and behavior. This classification is important because it highlights that alcohol can lead to addiction, just like other drugs.

What Makes Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system, increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain craves more alcohol to achieve the same dopamine effect, leading to increased consumption and dependency. This biological process is a key factor in why alcohol is addictive.

Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

Alcohol abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of alcohol, while addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences.

Does Alcohol Addiction Run in Families?

According to the National Library of Medicine, genetics can play a significant role in the risk of developing alcohol addiction. However, it’s not just genetics—environmental factors, such as family behavior and social influences, also contribute to the risk. Understanding this can help families address both genetic and environmental factors in supporting recovery.

Is Addiction a Psychological Disorder?

The debate over whether addiction is a choice or a disease often centers on the psychological aspects of addiction. Addiction is recognized by the medical community as a complex psychological disorder. This means that while initial use of alcohol may be a choice, the development of addiction involves changes in the brain that create a compulsive need to drink.

Addiction, including alcohol addiction, is classified as a disease because it involves changes in the brain that affect behavior, control and decision-making. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a chronic disease, much like diabetes or heart disease, which requires ongoing management and care.

Disease or Choice: The Complexity of Alcoholism

Understanding that addiction is a disease helps reduce stigma and acknowledges the need for medical treatment and support. It’s important to recognize personal responsibility in seeking help and making healthier choices.

Managing Addiction: A Step-by-Step Approach

  • Acknowledgment: Recognizing the problem is the first step. Acceptance that there is a problem is vital for recovery.
  • Seeking Help: Professional help, including therapy and medical treatment, is often necessary. Treatment plans can include detoxification, medication and counseling.
  • Building Support Systems: Support from family, friends and support groups is invaluable in the recovery process.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Adopting healthier habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can support recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
  • Ongoing Management: Recovery is a long-term process that requires ongoing effort and adjustment.

Help for Addiction is Here

By acknowledging the complexities of alcohol addiction, we can better support those on their journey to recovery and reduce the stigma surrounding this challenging issue.

Since 1989, University Behavioral Center has been dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality treatment for mental health and substance use disorder issues in Orlando, Florida.

University Behavioral Center’s treatment programs are highly structured. Our interdisciplinary treatment team combines group, individual and family therapies to offer residents comprehensive treatment. Individual activities, schedules and groups change to address the needs of each resident.

Call us any time at 407-287-6802 or complete and submit our online contact form.