“Can alcoholism be cured?”

Alcoholism can be treated and put into remission. Addiction is a disease, like diabetes, that can't be "cured" but can be managed.

The AA model is once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. We don't talk about cure, we talk about length of sobriety. A person can be sober for one week, one year, or one decade. The AA model believes no matter how long the sobriety is, an alcoholic needs to continue to attend meetings and work on sobriety because everyone is one drink away from zero day sober.

All addictions have a lifelong risk of recurrence, so in that since they are never cured, but many people achieve lifelong sobriety and are "living the dream" as we often say. Addictions often relapse, but we just treat the relapse, find out why they recurred, try to plug up the open manholes the patient fell into, etc.

Namaste,  Sorry to hear that your friend has an alcohol addiction.  Yes, your friend can overcome this addiction.  He needs a good experienced addiction specialist/therapist and a support group.  Your friend is lucky to have you as a concerned supporting friend. Take care and stay safe.

Although I am an LPC, not a doctor, I work with addiction every day. Like all addictions, alcoholism cannot be cured, only managed. Some people may feel as if they are cured after several years of sobriety, but those people still possess the predilection to be addicted to *something*, whether it is alcohol, cigarettes, weed, other drugs, a behavior, or food. If your friend drinks heavily every day and decides to give up his/her addiction, it is very likely he/she will need medical intervention. Alcohol is one of the few drugs that can cause withdrawal symptoms so intense that they can cause death if medical intervention is not sought. Hope this helps! Jeanne Ramirez, NCC, LPC Beautiful Minds Counseling and Therapeutic Services, LLC

As an internal medicine physician, it’s important to understand that alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease that we manage rather than cure. Here’s how we approach it:

1. Diagnosis and Assessment: The first step is a thorough evaluation to understand the extent of the addiction and any coexisting medical or psychological conditions.
2. Comprehensive Treatment Plan: Management typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies and medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management are common and effective therapeutic approaches.
3. Medications: We often use FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.
4. Support Systems: We emphasize the importance of support systems. Participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide crucial peer support and accountability.
5. Long-term Management: Alcohol use disorder is a chronic condition, so long-term follow-up and support are essential. Relapse can occur, but it’s part of the process, not a failure. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan are necessary to maintain sobriety.
6. Holistic Approach: We address not just the addiction but also any related health issues, including liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, and mental health disorders, providing a holistic approach to treatment.

Encouraging your friend to seek help from a healthcare professional is crucial. With the right treatment and support, many individuals with AUD can achieve and maintain long-term sobriety, leading healthier, more fulfilling lives.