In years past, alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, was sometimes considered to be a moral defect, a choice or a character flaw. Today, an increasing number of people are asking the question, “Is alcoholism a disease?” More and more, research suggests that the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Alcohol treatment at the alcohol rehab center in West Linn, OR provides a support network and skills for living in addiction recovery.
Alcoholism Has a Genetic Component
An important factor to take into consideration when exploring whether alcoholism is a disease is genetics. There are many studies showcasing a genetic component to an alcohol use disorder. This reveals that it’s not a choice, but a genetic predisposition.
A person with a family risk of heart disease or breast cancer is more likely to develop those diseases in the future. Similarly, a person with alcoholism in the family is also more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol.
This may be, at least in part, because certain individuals have the innate brain chemistry that encourages the development of addiction. In addition, this helps to explain why not all those who drink alcohol go on to struggle with alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Addiction Chemically Alters the Brain
There’s no denying that those diagnosed with alcohol use disorder aren’t able to simply stop drinking. Alcoholism alters the body, and particularly the brain and central nervous system. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms aren’t psychosomatic, and they can be very real and very uncomfortable when not treated properly at the alcohol detox center in OR.
These physical repercussions show that alcohol use disorder isn’t something individuals can simply decide to walk away from. While recovery takes dedication and work, it’s still an illness that requires medical attention to address the altered brain chemistry of addiction.
Is Alcoholism a Disease That Can be Treated?
After identifying that alcoholism is a disease, a major concern is whether or not you can treat it. Like many other diseases, the treatment of alcohol use disorder isn’t always straightforward.
It’s absolutely true that a person struggling with alcoholism can complete rehab and addiction treatment and walk away sober. In order for that to happen, however, they’ll need to attend a quality rehab center that addresses each of the following:
- Physical health and nutrition
- Personal and spiritual fulfillment
- Mental health or dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual, group and/or family therapy
- Relapse prevention awareness and planning
Lasting alcohol addiction recovery takes continuous effort and individualized treatment. No one has the same experience with alcohol or it’s addiction triggers. A mixture of rehab and group therapy doesn’t provide the best relapse prevention for everyone. After an intake assessment, clients benefit from some of the following programs:
- Intensive outpatient program in West Linn
- Residential treatment
- Extended care treatment in OR
- Cognitive behavioral therapy in OR
- Holistic therapy
Like Other Diseases, Alcoholism Requires Ongoing Care
Finally, it’s vital that those attempting addiction recovery to understand and prepare for relapse. Patients struggling with cancer or diabetes can’t expect to get better in a few weeks and never go back to a doctor’s office. Similarly, addicts can’t leave rehab and think they’re healed for a lifetime.
Ongoing care might include sober living facilities, 12-step meetings or group therapy in OR that places an emphasis on preparing for relapse and staying strong against temptation.
Now that you know the answer to, “Is alcoholism a disease?”, you can get help from Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon. Targeted treatment programs and a range of therapies treat addiction at its root. Call 866.262.0531 to start your journey to sobriety and to start living the life you deserve.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
