There’s an old saying that the great delusion of every alcoholic that one day they can return and drink like a normal person.
For the person who has met the criteria for alcohol addiction, or alcoholism this has not been proven to be the case. So the short answer is no, there is no known cure for alcoholism. That position, however, is not one that a lot of drinkers like to hear.
There is always some story floating around the news about a ‘magic pill’ being developed that is a cure for alcoholism. As of now, and in my opinion in the near future, that is just fantasy.
There is a simple reality for the person who has alcoholism there are only two out comes the can occur as a result of their drinking.
1. They will stop drinking.
This is the solution that virtually every treatment center in the country, as well as 12 step programs advocate. Why? It is pretty tough to argue with the concept that if you don’t want trouble from alcohol don’t drink. The people who remain abstinent from alcohol do not develop any new problems arising from it.
2. They continue to drink and it will get worse.
A defining characteristic of the disease of alcoholism is that it is progressive. Most people only think of the progression of the disease in terms of quantity and frequency consumed. But it is also progressive in the severity of the consequences incurred from continued use. Alcohol affects health, psychological and cognitive functioning, social and relationship problems, and moral and spiritual problems.
Though the reality of having only two possible outcomes for an alcoholic seem simple, in the most beneficial choice is obviously to stop drinking, it is not that easy.
There many factors that come into play that will keep an alcoholic active. Dealing with issues such as obsession, detoxification and withdrawal, physical and psychological addiction, and health issues all need to be holistic we addressed.
The good news is that there’s a lot of help available, and finding finances need not be a factor. You really do all it yourself or loved one afflicted by alcoholism to gain more information, and more important to take some action and get into alcohol addiction treatment.
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I don’t believe alcholism can be cured…I do believe it can be surpressed…but that is completely different. If someone ovecomes their drinking habits that is great for them…but I know a lot of people who are in recovery and they still crave alcohol even years after they stopped drinking…I don’t think that urge ever goes away…its just learning how to deal with that urge and to overcome it…that is how people are successful when they decide to stop drinking.
Rehabilitation from alcoholism is a lifelong process, and it is important for a former alcoholic to have discipline, determination and support from all the people surrounding him/her. Constant reassurance is key, that no matter how constant the cravings and urges are, it can be overcome and somehow the urges will fade slowly.
Excellent articles & Good site….