“Can alcohol addiction be cured?”
I have an alcohol addiction. Can alcohol addiction be cured?
7 Answers
Yes and no. This is true of any addiction. Yes and no.
Stopping consumption and misuse? yes.
The need for maintenance and prevention? Many that recovered described a life-long journey.
Treatment options can vary. Please refer to similar questions about how long treatment lasts and possible treatment options for more information:
https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/85022114-Molly-Ruth-Machemehl-Psychologist (Molly R. Machemehl, MA LSSP - School Psychologist). Consult with a physician on physical health-related matters while considering what treatment options you use.
Also, keep in mind that most states now require that patients not be denied faith-based treatment options. Programs such as Celebrate Recovery https://celebraterecovery.com/ and Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.aa.org/ are aware of that. They also provide referrals.
If you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, please call 911 - Emergency, or call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255.
Stopping consumption and misuse? yes.
The need for maintenance and prevention? Many that recovered described a life-long journey.
Treatment options can vary. Please refer to similar questions about how long treatment lasts and possible treatment options for more information:
https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/85022114-Molly-Ruth-Machemehl-Psychologist (Molly R. Machemehl, MA LSSP - School Psychologist). Consult with a physician on physical health-related matters while considering what treatment options you use.
Also, keep in mind that most states now require that patients not be denied faith-based treatment options. Programs such as Celebrate Recovery https://celebraterecovery.com/ and Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.aa.org/ are aware of that. They also provide referrals.
If you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, please call 911 - Emergency, or call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255.
Alcoholism, often referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is typically considered a chronic, manageable condition rather than something that can be "cured" in the traditional sense. However, many people successfully recover and lead fulfilling, sober lives. Here’s a breakdown of what recovery from alcoholism looks like:
1. Long-Term Recovery, Not a Cure
Like other chronic conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension), alcohol addiction can be managed effectively, but it requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments.
Recovery focuses on managing the condition, preventing relapse, and building a life where alcohol no longer plays a central role.
2. Achieving Sobriety and Maintaining It
With the right treatment and support, many people stop drinking and maintain sobriety indefinitely.
This process often involves therapy, peer support groups (like AA), medical treatment, or a combination of approaches tailored to the individual's needs.
3. Relapse as a Part of Recovery
Relapses can happen and are often considered a part of the recovery process, not a failure. Many people experience setbacks but go on to achieve long-term sobriety.
The focus in recovery is on building skills and support systems that make it easier to recover from setbacks and maintain progress.
4. Tools for Lasting Recovery
Treatment often includes therapy (such as CBT or Motivational Interviewing), lifestyle changes, support groups, and sometimes medication to help reduce cravings or manage withdrawal symptoms.
Recovery tools help people develop new ways of coping with stress, building healthy habits, and finding purpose outside of alcohol.
5. A Lifelong Commitment to Health and Well-being
Because AUD is a chronic condition, most people in recovery find that ongoing support (whether through counseling, support groups, or peer connections) is essential to maintaining sobriety.
Many people in recovery consider themselves to be "in recovery" indefinitely, recognizing the importance of staying connected to support and maintaining their sobriety-focused lifestyle.
Summary
While there’s no definitive “cure” for alcoholism, recovery is entirely possible, and millions of people maintain sobriety through a variety of treatments and ongoing support. Encouraging your friend to seek professional guidance and connect with support resources can be a powerful step in their journey toward a sober and fulfilling life.
1. Long-Term Recovery, Not a Cure
Like other chronic conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension), alcohol addiction can be managed effectively, but it requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments.
Recovery focuses on managing the condition, preventing relapse, and building a life where alcohol no longer plays a central role.
2. Achieving Sobriety and Maintaining It
With the right treatment and support, many people stop drinking and maintain sobriety indefinitely.
This process often involves therapy, peer support groups (like AA), medical treatment, or a combination of approaches tailored to the individual's needs.
3. Relapse as a Part of Recovery
Relapses can happen and are often considered a part of the recovery process, not a failure. Many people experience setbacks but go on to achieve long-term sobriety.
The focus in recovery is on building skills and support systems that make it easier to recover from setbacks and maintain progress.
4. Tools for Lasting Recovery
Treatment often includes therapy (such as CBT or Motivational Interviewing), lifestyle changes, support groups, and sometimes medication to help reduce cravings or manage withdrawal symptoms.
Recovery tools help people develop new ways of coping with stress, building healthy habits, and finding purpose outside of alcohol.
5. A Lifelong Commitment to Health and Well-being
Because AUD is a chronic condition, most people in recovery find that ongoing support (whether through counseling, support groups, or peer connections) is essential to maintaining sobriety.
Many people in recovery consider themselves to be "in recovery" indefinitely, recognizing the importance of staying connected to support and maintaining their sobriety-focused lifestyle.
Summary
While there’s no definitive “cure” for alcoholism, recovery is entirely possible, and millions of people maintain sobriety through a variety of treatments and ongoing support. Encouraging your friend to seek professional guidance and connect with support resources can be a powerful step in their journey toward a sober and fulfilling life.
No addiction can be "cured". It can be managed into remission, like diabetes.
While substance dependence disorders are considered lifelong, there are many ways I can help you achieve a good life and I am happy to do so. I spent 8 years at the best facilities in the county helping patients achieve sobriety. I really enjoy this population--they are so inspiring. Best, Camellia P. Clark, M.D.
addiction can never be cured.... it can be treated. Therapy, medication, support group, abstinence . Dr Epps
Yes, alcohol addiction can be cured with proper treatment by an addiction specialist and/or a treatment center that specializes in addiction. Albert Knapp, Psy.D., BCBA-D, RPT-S Clinical Psychologist (PSY 25873) Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (1-08-4806) Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (S2412) 1200 Aviation Blvd. Suite 100 Redondo Beach, CA 90278 P: 310 376 2468 Website: www.akatherapy.com
Namaste, Sorry to hear that you have alcohol addiction. Hope you are in therapy with a person who specializes in addiction treatment. They can get you to the roots of your addiction and help you heal those wounds so you don't have to rely on alcohol to numb your pain. It also helps to be in supportive groups. Do not think of your addiction as an uncurable disease. Think of it as a habit. Habits are learned behaviors. Anything that is leaned can be unlearned. Then you can focus on forming new positive habits by breaking old negative habits. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says Never Give Up. So follow his advice. Take care and stay safe. Wishing you all the best.
