Once all the information is considered, the doctor can decide on the best course of treatment for the individual’s needs. Similarly, alcoholism can be managed through treatment and recovery with diligence and commitment. Nevertheless, alcohol abuse can result in severe risks to physical and mental health, and to the individual’s relationships, responsibilities, and other pursuits. As described by the West Virginia University School of Public Health, even in the short-term, alcohol use has a high risk of injury and other dangers. “Is there a cure for alcoholism” is a common question among many, including those dealing with addiction as well as loved ones and friends who might be trying to help someone with the disease. Though there may be no easy “cure” for alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, the condition is treatable.
What we don’t know: The significant limitations of alcohol-related health research
It’s important to note, however, that the most effective treatment for alcoholism will vary for each individual. That type of study would be very expensive, and some of the health effects would take months and years to develop. Those studies have been conducted with lab animals, and there has been clear evidence of the negative effect of alcohol. Ultimately, a randomized control study with humans is what we need to conclusively prove a causal link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
Diagnosing alcohol use disorder
“It can lead to tissue changes over time that can increase the risk for cancer” and other health problems, such as liver scarring known as cirrhosis. Among very heavy drinkers, alcohol metabolism and the resulting inflammation may even contribute to serious brain damage, possibly including shrinkage of the brain or alcohol-induced dementia, Wakeman says. When detoxing from alcohol at home, your family can provide practical support and encouragement to help you to manage any physical symptoms. If you choose residential treatment for alcohol addiction, they can give you time and space to do whatever is necessary. There is a lingering myth that alcoholism drug addiction is always attributable to ‘weakness’ or poor mental health.
- Treatment used to be limited to self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (established in 1935).
- Scientific American maintains a strict policy of editorial independence in reporting developments in science to our readers.
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So why did we think alcohol had health benefits for so many years?
By fostering a culture of awareness and open dialogue, we can create an environment where seeking help is not stigmatized but encouraged. Early education on the signs of alcohol abuse and the importance of seeking help can prevent the progression to more severe stages of alcoholism. Treatment used to be limited to self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (established in 1935). Now there are a variety of evidence-based treatments, including psychotherapy and medication, to treat alcohol use disorders. The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is known as alcohol withdrawal delirium or delirium tremens, often referred to as the DTs. Symptoms (which are typically experienced in addition to others caused by alcohol withdrawal) include delirium (confusion), high blood pressure, and agitation.
Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment
It’s a myth that if you drink beer or wine you’re less susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol than if you drink hard liquor. In a Q&A, Peter Monti, a professor of alcohol and addiction studies at Brown University and a leading researcher of alcohol and disease exacerbation, shared his perspective on alcohol and cancer. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Connecting the dots between what scientists know and how we all understand the health impacts of what we ingest is not always a…straight path. So during a popular time to temporarily press pause on drinking, SELF reports on where the research on alcohol and health stands—and how our https://ecosoberhouse.com/ societal views on booze have been shifting. Ultimately, people must make their own decisions based on their personal risk factors and tolerances, ideally with the help of a trusted health professional.
- Treatment programs at every level may vary in the specific services they offer.
- No matter how many reasons you have to quit, and no matter how many times your loved ones ask you to stop or reduce your intake.
- A number of experts have recommended revision of the guidelines toward lower amounts, as more studies have linked even moderate alcohol consumption to health risks.
- You might smell something you really don’t like and feel a sinking feeling.
- Preliminary research supports Dry January’s benefits, from helping reduce people’s blood pressure, weight and insulin resistance to prompting them to reconsider their long-term relationship with alcohol.
- This will result in an addiction to the substance that can’t be cured because there is no way to reverse the damage that has already been done.
What about those heart benefits?
What’s interesting is that the public hasn’t appreciated that link. That could be partially due to the way that information was rolled out of the National Institutes of Health about 15 years ago. The tone and the way it was presented just wasn’t helpful for people, and it didn’t help motivate behavior change. The process creates what’s known as oxidative stress, or an imbalance between different types of molecules that results in is alcoholism curable inflammation. “People shouldn’t wake up in the morning and say, ‘Let’s see, what disease am I trying to prevent today?