Alcohol is everywhere. It’s woven into social events, celebrations, and every facet of pop culture. But for some people, what begins as a casual drink can evolve into a devastating dependency. Although socially acceptable, alcohol addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that impacts millions of people and is ultimately fatal if left untreated. But what does that actually mean? Why is it labeled "chronic"? And how does it progressively get worse?
Let’s dive into the fascinating—and, sobering—science of alcohol addiction, breaking down why this isn’t just a habit but a deeply rooted medical condition that requires professional help.
At its core, alcohol addiction is defined by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. Someone struggling with alcohol use disorder may find themselves drinking more than they intended, unable to cut down even when they try, or continuing to drink despite the toll it takes on their health, relationships, and daily life.
So why not just stop? That’s the insidious nature of alcohol addiction: it changes the brain.
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, but when you take that first drink, it doesn’t feel that way. Instead, it boosts the release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. It's that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes a glass of wine after a long day so appealing.
Over time, though, the brain starts to rely on alcohol to release dopamine. As the booze alters brain chemistry, the brain’s natural ability to produce and regulate dopamine declines. That "buzz" becomes harder to achieve, and people find themselves drinking more and more just to feel normal.
And that’s just the beginning.
A chronic disease is one that persists over time. Like diabetes or heart disease, a dependency on alcohol is not something that can be cured overnight. While symptoms can be managed, and many people live in long-term recovery, the underlying vulnerability to alcohol remains. This is why alcoholism is classified as a chronic disease.
When a person becomes addicted to alcohol, the brain undergoes long-term changes. These changes don’t revert back to “normal” simply by quitting drinking. Even after years of sobriety, the brain can remain sensitive to alcohol. This is why relapse is always a possibility, no matter how long someone’s been sober.
A person struggling with alcohol addiction may go through periods of remission and relapse. Think of it like a pendulum—it can swing toward recovery but, without the right treatment and support, can just as easily swing back into addiction.
What makes alcohol addiction particularly dangerous is its progressive nature. If left untreated, it gets worse over time, and the consequences become increasingly severe.
Stage 1: Early Use
In the early stages, drinking may seem harmless, even social. You might drink casually with friends or use alcohol to unwind. But as tolerance builds, you need more alcohol to achieve the same effects. The casual beer after work turns into a six-pack, and before you know it, alcohol has become a daily habit.
Stage 2: Middle Stage – Dependence
In the middle stages of alcohol addiction, the brain has become fully dependent on alcohol. Drinking isn’t just about pleasure anymore—it’s about avoiding withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and nausea. You may start to feel like you need alcohol just to get through the day. At this point, cutting back or stopping can lead to severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, making it incredibly difficult to quit without help.
Stage 3: Late Stage – Deterioration
In the final stages of alcohol addiction, the negative impacts on the body and mind become undeniable. Health problems like liver disease, heart disease, and neurological damage are common. Relationships, careers, and mental health deteriorate, and alcohol becomes the focal point of life.
Without intervention, addiction at this stage can lead to irreversible health and brain damage or even death.
The good news? Alcohol addiction is treatable. Owl’s Nest Recovery specializes in helping people with alcohol use disorder find their way to recovery. The key is understanding that treatment needs to address not just the physical dependence but the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction as well.
The first step in treatment is often detoxification. This is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox should always be done under medical supervision, especially for those with severe addiction, as withdrawal from alcohol can be deadly.
Addiction is more than a physical craving; it’s not an issue of willpower. There are often underlying emotional or psychological issues that fuel alcohol use. Evidence-based treatment modalities, individual counseling, and group therapy are powerful tools in helping people understand their triggers, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild their lives.
We like to take a holistic approach, integrating mental health treatment with addiction care. This dual-diagnosis treatment is especially critical for those who struggle with both mental health disorders and addiction.
Because of the chronic nature of this disease, long-term support is absolutely necessary. Aftercare programs, such as 12-Step groups, outpatient therapy, and alumni programs can provide ongoing support to help people stay on track in their recovery.
Relapse prevention is a major focus in alcohol addiction treatment. Knowing the warning signs and having a support network in place for when cravings or triggers arise can make all the difference in long-term sobriety.
Are you still wondering if alcoholism truly qualifies as a disease? The short answer is: yes. The American Society of Addiction Medicine classifies alcoholism as a disease because it affects both the brain and the body in specific, measurable ways. Much like diseases such as cancer or diabetes, addiction follows a predictable pattern and can be managed with the right treatment.
It’s not about willpower or moral failure; it’s about understanding the biology of addiction and getting the right support.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is available. Recovery is a lifelong journey, but with the right treatment and support, it’s one that can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
So, why wait? The sooner you understand alcohol addiction for what it truly is, the sooner you can break free from its grip. Call Owls’ Nest Recovery today.