Understanding Alcoholism as a Disease

Recognizing alcoholism as a disease can be challenging because it often differs from traditional illnesses, often remaining hidden and resistant to treatment. Medical organizations classify alcoholism as a primary, chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence defines it as a mental obsession driving a physical compulsion to drink.

Mental Obsession

Alcoholism involves a mental obsession with alcohol, similar to a persistent thought or song in your mind. This obsession is beyond one's control, and the only perceived solution is consuming more alcohol. This compulsion can be subtle and difficult to recognize, leading to sudden urges to drink.

Neurobiology of Alcoholism

Repeated alcohol consumption leads to changes in the brain, particularly in regions associated with pleasure, learning, stress, decision-making, and self-control. The brain's reward system, involving dopamine neurotransmitters, is affected, leading to reduced sensitivity to dopamine. Consequently, more alcohol is required to achieve the same pleasurable effects. Chronic drinking reinforces the association of pleasure with cues like drinking companions, places, and habits, making it harder to resist alcohol.

Drive to Avoid Pain

Alcohol use disorder can disrupt the brain's balance between seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. As the disorder progresses, individuals experience increasing distress when not drinking, leading to uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms. At this stage, drinking shifts from being about pleasure to avoiding the discomfort of withdrawal.

The Cycle of Addiction

Alcoholics develop tolerance, meaning they require more alcohol to achieve the same effect. Simultaneously, the lows experienced when not drinking become more severe. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and decision-making, becomes disrupted, leading to reduced ability to control the urge to drink. The reward system becomes pathological, and the disease takes hold.

Progressive Disease

Alcoholism is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. In the early stages, small amounts of alcohol may suffice to stop the obsession. However, as the disease progresses, more and more alcohol is needed. The progression is often subtle and gradual, leading to denial among those affected.

Denial and Seeking Help

Denial is a common symptom of alcoholism. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use disorder, seeking professional help is crucial. Resources can be found in phone directories or through organizations that provide support and treatment.

Understanding alcoholism as a disease and seeking the right support empowers recovery and a healthier life.