Is Alcoholism a Disease?

Overcoming alcoholism is an important goal, and recovery can mean a healthy and happier life for you and your loved ones. However, some individuals place unrealistic expectations on those struggling with alcoholism, believing that addiction is a choice or a character flaw. By answering the question, “is alcoholism a disease?”, it’s possible to get to the root of what truly causes alcoholism and the best way to treat it.

Is Alcoholism a Disease? Yes.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine classifies alcoholism—and all addictions—as a disease. This is an important distinction, because it defines addiction as a medical issue rather than a moral one.

Your path to recovery is waiting
and we’re here to help.

Our admissions specialist are available 24/7 to listen to your story
and get you started with next steps.

Why call us?

For years, an outdated view of alcoholism meant those struggling with addiction could rarely get quality help. Medical professionals mistakenly believed that healthy, moral individuals wouldn’t suffer from alcoholism, and those that did simply needed to choose to abstain from alcohol moving forward.

Today, of course, research shows that alcoholism alters brain function and chemical makeup. Withdrawal symptoms are very real, and there’s a strong correlation between addiction and mental health disorders. With the backing of the medical industry, alcoholism is rightfully classified as a disease.

Factors That Can Lead to Alcoholism

After understanding that alcoholism is a disease, it becomes important to discover what causes alcoholism in some people but not in others. Unlike drug use, where many of the users eventually become addicted, the majority of alcohol consumers don’t suffer from alcoholism.

Scientific research points to a genetic predisposition in some individuals that makes addiction more likely. Other factors leading to an alcohol addiction might include role models who abused alcohol, or a cultural environment that encouraged alcohol consumption at an early age when brain development could still be impacted. Mental health is also a common link among many of those individuals who struggle with alcoholism.

Treating Alcoholism as a Disease

Alcoholism is a disease that should be treated like any other medical condition. No one would suggest that those struggling with clinical depression or diabetes just “choose to get better.” In the same ways, individuals struggling with addiction need evidence-based treatment for optimal recovery.

Some of the most effective treatment methods for alcoholism include:

Amenities At Alcohol Addiction Rehab

Is alcoholism a disease? At Serenity Lodge, the answer is yes. After undergoing detox and therapy, Serenity Lodge offers you structure and amenities. Sobriety requires both structure and alternative coping mechanisms, and you can find both at Serenity Lodge. Entering alcohol rehab is the best time to build healthy habits and coping mechanisms for your sober life. You should start with eating 3 nutritious meals a day. Monitoring in inpatient rehab helps you account fully for what you eat.

In our safe, relaxing environment, clients also take full advantage of amenities including but not limited to:

Serenity Lodge amenities are more than just perks. Hobbies and fitness can boost self-esteem and provide clients with lifelong skills and habits that improve mood and lead to better overall health. From sports to creative art, Serenity Lodge offers you the chance to have fun without addiction. Come find your new passion with us today!

Offering proven therapy methods that treat alcoholism as a disease as well as a facility rich with amenities, Serenity Lodge in Lake Arrowhead, California is the ideal place for men to seek sobriety. Call [Direct] today and let us help you begin your road to recovery.

Leave a reply