Alcoholism is a Disease and It's Not Alcohol Abuse

Information on the brain disease of alcoholism and why alcohol abuse is not alcoholism.

[@maxpyne380]

I'm glad we grew up with out alcohol I'm 36 and never drank in my life.

[@HaloDaycare]

That's the best thing, honestly. For generations, my family has struggled with alcoholism and was given alcohol at an early age which changed my life forever. I gave into it, falling fast and hard into the trap. If only I could forget how alcohol made me feel, regardless its my decision no matter how difficult it is

[@eliaschevette]

People saying Alcoholism is not a disease need to watch the video again and again. Until they understand the point. Their constant argument is what Lisa explains.

[@999locke]

+David Quintana what is the point?please explain

[@AngelaShortt]

Many people drink very heavily, getting drunk every night, getting DUI's, etc. Yet, they are able stop when when they finally realize that their drinking is negatively impacting their jobs, health, and relationships with family and friends. Their brains have not been damaged by alcohol. How do you know? Because they STOPPED. That's the difference. A heavy drinker acts like someone who has the disease of alcoholism. The ability 2 stop is the distinction between an alcohol abuser & an alcoholic.

[@Bettyn90]

For the first time I understood the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Thank you so much!

[@shawnelkins2494]

great video lisa, i am a recovering alcoholic myself. I did a stint in rehab about 2 years ago and we were shown so many great videos on this, alcolholism/addiction is a very real scary thing and i agree its a disease, nothing else explains why people with the disease do what they do, i had never stole anything for alcohol altho, but have lost great jobs and relationships over it and still would do it, ive been alot better these days, just one day at a time kinda thing but the cravings never fully go away. You have to change your whole lifestyle in order to stay on top of the disease and yes while i was in rehab a man was on the verge of death after he suddenly decided to quit drinkin vodka everyday so it can kill you like any other disease, yea its not ebola but honestly i think id like my chances with that better or would of used to anyway. I can tell from the comments on the people who probably never had an addiction in their lives putting their 2 cents in. No matter how long my sobriety continues i will never put anybody down for being an alcoholic/addict till my dying day, i have been there it sucks just hold on and keep your heads up for all who have had to struggle with this problem or that have a loved one that suffers. Thanks to anybody that read god bless, be safe and happy newyear

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

Thank you for writing, Shawn, and congratulations on your recovery!!

[@aaronandersen431]

its hard to quit drinking but not that hard if you know how to deal with it.people listen to me for one sec if you WANT to quit drinking... when you feel the feeling we all know and I don't have to explain, keep busy until your tired as hell then sleep and get up and keep busy because there is always something to do other than.

[@7d7e7f7]

I'm an alcoholic. This helped, thanks.

[@redrobb7828]

Some call it binge drinking. I have in the past been able to have 2 or 3 drinks in a week but more recently I can drink a whole bottle of vodka (fifth) in an evening til early morning. I didint drink everyday, but would sometimes drink for 3 days straight. I am 3 weeks sober now cold turkey and I can feel already my brain function returning, thinking more clearly.

[@breakingthecycles]

RedRobb - that's terrific - three weeks sober!

[@cruyeda]

What a crock! What if you've never had a drink of alcohol? When I was 4, my Dad gave me a sip of his beer and I thought it was horrible, so even as an adult, I never got into the habit of drinking alcohol. Until I had a bad breakup. I drank to dull the pain for a few months. Then I realized, no girl was worth it and quit, no problem. That was 33 years ago and I haven't had a drink since. As responsible adults, we all make our own choices. Some choose the wrong path. That doesn't make it a disease.

[@nathanstewart6454]

Actually science has proven it to be a real disease from A-Z.

[@cruyeda]

Then smoking "crack" is a disease. Obesity is a disease. Smoking cigarettes would be a disease.

[@nathanstewart6454]

Clinically that all are. They all fall under the same cat. Addiction is an intense compulsion cause by unbalance chemical levels in the brain just like any other mental illness. Some are more prone than others but over 150 million people suffer from it.

[@earltbird8642]

+cruyeda WE each stumble around looking for the INDIVIDUAL medicine that we choose, unconsciously, money, overwork, sexual obsession. I have known hapless drunks who recovered using one cannabis cigarette a day. Those who choose cannabis as their medicine might well be slave to overuse. The person using food as medicine may have no other excesses in their life.

[@earltbird8642]

+nathan stewart The brain gets messed up by PAIN of inadequate childhoods. At the scene of a bank robbery, there are bank staff, customers, bystanders, police.... so every time you observe some of each at a bank, has there necessarily been a bank robbery ?? Relieve the neurosis and the brain patterns and hormonal balance is reestablished. This chemical imbalance shit is just a marketing ploy; there's either a meds with 100 dangerous side effects or an APP to sell you for every nuance.

[@theshadowgirl3]

All I can say is that alcohol use by my mom growing up ... well, it has lead to my name here :( I have lived with this disease for way too long, while my mother seemingly goes on. She is 84. Over the years, before my Dad slipped into dementia, I listened to him complain constantly that Mom was always lying to him about her drinking. Then there was the time when I was called to their home, because she was too drunk to look after my Dad. He had gone wandering, and when the police came to the house, they found my mom totally incapacitated. I left my home over two hours away, and was met in their living room by emergency volunteers. She completely denied the drinking the next day! She will never seek treatment obviously, being 84. She is falling constantly in her own home, yet will not even look at any other housing, because any kind of assisted living would mean she would be "found out". This is a frustrating, debilitating, crazy disease, that pulls people into the chaos, while the alcoholic goes on being destructive, seemingly oblivious to the carnage left behind. I struggle to accept it as a "disease", because of the emotional damage to those involved. We have talked with her, called her out many times - nothing changes :( It is what it is ... Whether you call it a disease, a lifestyle, or a choice - the deleterious effects on those involved are obvious and long lasting!

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

I'm so so sorry for I know exactly what you're going/have gone through having had very similar experiences over the years with various family members/close friends. It wasn't until I learned about the disease of addiction as the brain disease it is and how it is that alcohol (or drugs) hijack the brain, changing brain structure and function and the people we know and love into people who lie, cheat, steal, hurt -- deeply hurt -- us. Not that it EVER excuses the behaviors, but understanding the disease does explain it wasn't "them" willfully doing it to "us." Check out The Addiction Project - there is so much great information there. It's at www.hbo.com/addiction/

[@theshadowgirl3]

Lisa Frederiksen Thanks very much for your thoughtful reply :) I do appreciate it. And, I will check out the Addiction Project to further my learning. All the best.

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

theshadowgirl3 You're most welcome and all the best to you, as well.

[@0utlawjase1]

I have just seen your post ,my mom has just been sectioned due to alcoholism I'd like to thank you for your post as it has helped me understand as your story has similarities to my own ,again thank you

[@hempvillegreencommunity3691]

my doctor laughed and said you cant collect disability from alcoholism, it is just an addiction

[@hithereal]

That's an excellent point man and notice how nobody responded to your post trying to refute it. That's because they can't refute it.

[@scrillion6]

Genetics play the biggest part in whether a person is alcoholic or a chronic alcohol user/addict. There are studies on this. The person experiences ethanol in a different way due to this. It effects dopamine GABA and the hypothalamus. Trauma and early use don’t matter. There are people who don’t touch alcohol till their 20’s and are alcoholic and there are people who didn’t have some abuse trauma and are alcoholic. The physical factor of this condition is why drugs like naltrexone are helping people end their addictive actions and yes their brain heals.

[@999locke]

yes u are incorrect"bypasses the digestive and enter thru the small intestine" what u mean is that it enters thru the stomach.what a good start to your video!!

[@breakingthecycles]

I absolutely agree with you! Alcoholism is a fully treatable disease that requires a person's commitment to do whatever it takes for them (which may or may not include medication or AA or any number of other options). Not only that, but the person in recovery can enjoy a fantastic life.

[@casper1240]

Alcoholism is not a Disease .Period

[@pobster88j94]

I feel like by classifying it as a disease, we remove personal accountability. I get the appeal of that as someone who struggled in the past with drinking, but I’ve always struggled with the disease aspect. I think the brain changes with any chemical introduction, so that doesn’t prove it’s a disease.

[@wikipediachick23]

I agree 100%

[@breakingthecycles]

Thank you so much for sharing your comment, and you are absolutely correct. If a person is an alcoholic, there is NO amount they can drink and not trigger the brain maps around their disease.

[@breakingthecycles]

***** Most definitely your brain and body can heal - and it's fantastic you've decided to quit! This post and others on my blog may help www.breakingthecycles.com/blog/2014/01/02/7-sound-bites-to-update-2014-conversations-around-addiction/

[@quickinthegame6392]

What happens when a brain map around their disease is triggered?

[@Helpertin]

You are full of shit. Malaria is a disease, ebola is disease, HIV is a disease, Salmonella is a disease... alcoholism is not, it's a choice. For the sake of argument lets say we were to put an alcoholic next to someone with malaria and could only say one of them was suffering from a disease, tell me which person has the disease.

[@BakedBooksandBeauty]

Become an alcoholic....You'll find out soon enough....

[@nikkichockawonga]

Helpertin Alcoholism is a thinking illness, the alcoholic has lost the power of 'choice' when it comes to alcohol. My best thinking gets me drunk!

[@tonyhadden4651]

Great video, I am a alcohol worker and have over 70 clients everyone different and we often dicuss if alochol misuse is a disease. Can I get hold of a copy of this video for group work discussion?

[@breakingthecycles]

So glad you found it helpful, Tony! I don't have copies as it was produced by a TV station, however you could hook up your computer to a TV and run it through the TV to use for group work discussion. You may also want to take a look at my website, BreakingTheCycles (dot) com, as there is a great deal written there about these same sorts of topics. Thanks so much for your comment!

[@fdakis]

Love your vid, Lisa. It's good to know there are people out there who use science to back up their claims about alcoholism. I've viewed several videos on youtube of people spewing opinions about alcohol being an addiction, but most of those are incredibly uninformed and ignorant at best. In the end, they're just opinions. It's mind blowing to me that some of these people come off intelligent, but fail to do their due diligence on the subject.

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

Thanks so much, Francis - so glad to hear you find it helpful,,

[@earltbird8642]

+Francis Dakis Ths Video is anything but laudable; direct from an ideological bent that is scientifically inaccurate, retrogressive and dangerous bunk.

[@fdakis]

earl t bird Lot's of big words there Earl. Still, I respectfully disagree. There's been enough scientific research that's proven otherwise.

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

Thanks so much for your comment Francis Dakis!!

[@jonesgerard]

Both abusers and alcoholics can stop, the distinction is ; when the abuser stops drinking the problem goes away. When an alcoholic stops drinking the problem is just getting started, they quickly start going mad without alcohol. I stopped for 5 yrs once, by the end of those 5 yrs I was completely stark raving sober. Then I worked the 12 steps and recovered to sanity. It was a wild ride.!

[@tammylawson3376]

This explains my husband... Every time he tries to get sober, he is very irritable and grouchy and hateful... We have been to support group meetings for a year and regular church attendance. He's tried to get deliverance from alcoholism countless times. He's saved and baptized, but won't study God's word because he can barely read. He's tried Adanta and Brightview and eight months of Vivitrol shots, staying away from drinking buddies, everything.... And the cravings never go away. He paces the floors all day... I DO see him nearly going "mad" from the cravings. He can't handle ANY emotional upsets. None. I can't have reasonable talks with him cause his brain is mush. He is 52 years old. His mom drank and did drugs while pregnant with him. Then she put beer in his baby bottle. At 14, he got started drinking. He was an alcoholic by age 26. He's been a working functioning alcoholic since. Now he has Stage 4 COPD emphysema from smoking cigarettes and marijuana since age 12, also started by his mother..... Yesterday he said he'd been in and out of bed five times. His body is getting tired.... He's "tired" a lot and has been several months now. Because of how our government sets rules for government programs and assistance, we are now living in separate houses. I know that it is God who also separated us. I prayed for God to intervene in this financial and emotional mess id gotten myself into. Now he has delivered me. We have been separated almost two weeks. We call each other but haven't seen each other. We are allowed to hang out; just can't LIVE together. And that's alright. There are little things I miss, the fun times... But I truly AM better off in ALL ways not living with an alcoholic. He is extremely depressed and I AM concerned. For his health, both physical and mental. My son is 28 and he thinks on a little lower level than my son. My son is intelligent, but inexperienced in life. I have had about three weeks away from having to deal with alcoholism. I was at a point that I couldn't function myself mentally and emotionally. Since I've been away, that has returned to me. I can tell you all that alcoholism IS a disease. My husband WANTS to stop, but hasn't been able to. If he can't stop, he WILL die. Most in his family -- mother's side-- died very early. 40s. If the alcohol doesn't kill him, the emphysema will. Such a tragic and unlived life....

[@ErikaHebertCormier]

I am so proud to know Lisa for her passion to spread awareness about the dangers & signs of addiction. Her posts are helpful & applicable as much as the articles she invites guests to post about, providing many points of view to assist those seeing help by providing all the existing option the are available today. Thank you Lisa, I'm honored to be colleagues and hope to work with you again. All my Love, Erika Cormier, Author, As the Smoke Clears- on amazon, create space & Barnes and noble.

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

Thanks so much Erika - I very much appreciate your compliment and would love to have another article by you for BreakingTheCycles.com.

[@redrobb7828]

Thanks for this video. I have all 5 risk factors.for alcoholism most definately. I have been an alcohol abuser for years , about 21, to be exact

[@breakingthecycles]

RedRobb I'm so glad you've found it helpful!

[@jibakkeid]

Thanks Alexandra for this video, its a must for a lot of people.

[@breakingthecycles]

I appreciate your respectful point - and it's so important that all points of view on this issue are expressed and discussed. Thank you!

[@sonjaderose9247]

So is smoking a lung disease?

[@stephencaudill2422]

this is very good info, the only disagreement is that more than 3 drinks for men (not more than 4 drinks for men) is the limit for men as well as women to be considered high-risk drinking, according to research

[@jonesgerard]

You can break a habit, there is no known way to break alcoholism. If you have a way, bring it forth, you will get the Nobel Prize.

[@matthewrousseau2982]

Addiction is a choice..We shouldn't make everything a disease in this country

[@LeoSRL300]

People that think Alcoholism is a disease, should watch the Alcoholic Anonymous South Park episode to see how stupid that statement is.

[@AngelaShortt]

Some of the people who have helped me so much in my recovery have been AA speakers: Joe and Charlie, Bob D. (found him here on KZbin) and Earl H. They helped me see that I have an addiction, and the way out working the Steps . My father can put down a half gallon of Jim Beam in five hours. I might not be an alcoholic, but the way I act, think and feel about food is precisely the way my dad is about booze. He went to AA after 2 DUIs, but "doesn't need it". Me: I KNOW I need the Steps.

[@gingermosley5631]

Alcoholism shouldn't be diag'd based on if a person can recover.

[@WIllyGilly321]

I saw this explained on the "Intervention" TV show in a way I can finally buy. Drinking can cause certain people to get the addiction disease. You don't have the disease before you start drinking; although you may be more prone than others to get it. It's like if you abuse yourself in certain ways you can get a disease, like living next door to Chernobyl may cause you to be more prone to Cancer and so on... Does anyone disagree with this explanation & why?

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

That's absolutely correct. This link to a website by NIDA is very helpful to understanding the disease www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/preface

[@jonesgerard]

+WIllyGilly321 No its wrong, that explanation works for alcohol abuse but alcoholism is different. I didn't become alcoholic because I drank too much. I drank too much because I am alcoholic. The underlying problem was already there just waiting, it could have been drugs but it expressed through alcohol, my choice at first. Then I lost freedom of choice. If I stopped drinking I started going mad and becoming suicidal, so picking up again kept me from suicide but because it is progressive I slowly got worse. I don't accept the disease excuse model, its is a spiritual disease though, therefore the solution is spiritual in nature, the answer that was found in AA 80 yrs ago still works today. Science has no answer, I can confidently predict it never will because they don't even understand what the problem is, you cannot examine the mind by measuring the spin of water molecules in neurons (cat scans etc). They mistake correlates for causes and believe mind is produced completely by the brain, physics proves otherwise. Mind is primary, not emergent and there is no God pill. I'm a recovered alcoholic.

[@earltbird8642]

+WIllyGilly321 Do you suppose you could get splinter disease from sliding down a rough board?? About the same logic. Chernobyl, I agree. Eat arsenic, gonna get sick; eat crappy processed foods and beverages, gonna get sick; eat SUGAR, you're headed for Cancer and Alzheimers; incidentally if we weren't so messed up by traumatic early life experiences we wouldn't make any of the stupid decisions we male about what we put into our bodies. Once those things are identified and dealt with in the right way we no longer make those poor decisions. We treat ourselves and others with respect.

[@earltbird8642]

+jonesgerard As a professional I can tell you alcoholism is established to not be a disease. It may well be your chosen medicine, the same as overwork, sexual obsession, or overeating, is for others. Medicine is used to ease pain; in this case emotional pain as OLD AS WE ARE.

[@Jordello3000]

It bypasses?

[@breakingthecycles]

I'm happy you've found recovery! AA is certainly one way to do it - there are several others, as well. The research referenced in this video is the latest. You - or other readers - may wish to look at a few sources: 1) The Addiction Project by NIAAA, NIDA, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and HBO provides an excellent explaination of the disease, risk factors, how it happens.... and 2) NIDA also has an excellent online resource called Drugs, Brains and Behaviors: the Science of Addiction.

[@earltbird8642]

The notion that alcoholism is a physical disease is a respectability endeavor serving the upper classes that was medically dispelled in the 60's. People respond to the pain of dysfunctional childhood, babyhood, with many, " isms," of medication, work, thievery, sex, religion.... There are a few psychotherapies that halt the obsessive drinking in it's tracks; many post patients go on to casual use. It was well documented in the 60's at UCLA Sou Cal that binge drinking was more destructive to the brain than everyday over consumption. Also the younger any deleterious habit is started the greater the damage to the immature vital organs. Obsessive athletics, obsessive intoxicating substances, whether recreational or by prescription; obsessive antibiotic use, obsessive demands on the developing body, overwork, overtiredness, no monotonous daily routines. Sugar is given a benign nod by most but is sweet death and destruction. The chemical laden diet of this century including esters of alcohol is a brain decayer. Trying to take one thing in isolation is not noteworthy. This is an ideologically based bit of nonsense. Addiction to anything is simply the individual medication of choice. The motivating pain is what needs to be honored. "Curing," addiction is simple , if the right therapy is used; and that does not involve substituting religion or some other drug to reduce the craving.

[@AngelaShortt]

I'm grateful for each day that I don't spiral down into that "incomprehensible demoralization". And sometimes the addiction, "the beast" yells pretty loud. (I've never got into alcohol or drugs, but my addiction is pretty lethal.) It's a blessing to live another day without that descrutive force in my life.

[@999locke]

sorry for confusion,the word disease has no meaning,its just a catchall.

[@readyforthebattle]

So how would you define alcohol abuse and alcoholism and how would you differentiate between the two

[@JAJ1GreenberryHill]

@IndicaDreaming: Yes, perhaps it is possible that after 7 years of living without alcohol there is a chance I could begin drinking it moderately. But this chance is extremely slight: all alcoholics that I know of who tried it have relapsed. All, without exception. Now I've been thinking about it more than most so maybe, just maybe I coulc be the one who can do this. But the thing is: I have no need for it anymore (except for a few times when a glass of whine would contribute to the atmosphere); And my memory of the horror of the last year I was drinking is so vivid... So I have a very slight chance of some rare moments of real pleasure which stands against a very real and probable chance of experiencing hell again. Added to this I'm not sure I could break the habit a second time (allmost all who relapsed say the second time is even harder; most fail, many commit suicide, a lot die within 1 or 2 years..) It's not worth the risk.

[@jonesgerard]

I'm a recovered alcoholic, AA is full of non alcoholics. Alcoholics can't stop for long, they are insane and will drink until it kills them. Going to AA meetings will not arrest the compulsion, the steps are the only thing AA has that can remove the problem.

[@hithereal]

Amen brother, people don't want to take responsibility for the choices they make and want to blame everyone else and everything besides themselves.

[@AngelaShortt]

I've been stark raving abstinent on several occasions. It was not only excruciating for me, but it was hard on my family, friends and coworkers because I was so "restless, irritable and discontented". In fact, I would go into a rage over trivial stuff, then wonder what was wrong with me. That's what I was like without my drug of choice. I thought all I had to do was stop, and I would automatically STAY STOPPED. It never happened until I gave up & did the Step work.

[@jonesgerard]

What happens when SELF is the problem.?

[@mahvashpibworth2751]

The best explanation and solution I’ve heard so far. Thank you

[@breakingthecycles]

Thank you so much! If you'd like more information, check out my latest book, "10th Anniversary Edition If You Loved Me, You'd Stop! What you really need to know when your loved one drinks too much. The first half explains alcohol use disorders - how they’re developed and treated and what long-term recovery requires. In the case of alcohol abuse, for example, it's possible to learn to "re-drink," but in the case of alcoholism, it must be total abstinence from alcohol, yet in both cases, there are other brain healing aspects necessary in order to address "why" a person finds themselves drinking to these extents in the first place. The second half explains what happens to family members and friends and what they can do to take back control of their physical and emotional health and the quality of their lives. The book comes in both paperback and kindle.

[@breakingthecycles]

Alcoholism (addiction) is a brain disease; alcohol abuse (not alcoholism) chemically and structurally changes the brain, but it's not the brain disease of addiction.

[@jonesgerard]

They have to keep coming back to find nothing will change until they work the 12 steps. Then they keep going back for a different reason, to help others. Sadly, less than 10% even try the steps, 90% stay sick and never recover.

[@benjaminlloyd3425]

I have all 5 risk factors and these may be the underlying roots of my alcoholism. I cannot hold with the idea that all addiction is the same, My alcoholism causes drinking and horrific consequence as a result of that drinking. It does not cause me to abuse prescription drugs, or street drugs. I do not believe that if a person is addicted to something that it follows that they are addicted to anything that alters the mind or mood. A fruit is a fruit is a fruit, but an apple is not an orange.

[@gideonwaxfarb]

You say you've never abused prescription or street drugs, but have you ever tried them? And I mean the really addictive kind? People tend to get hooked on whatever they happen to try, and it's not always the same drug for everyone. For example, some prefer downers, while others gravitate toward stimulants. Me, I got a nasty McDonalds habit going :P

[@999locke]

what is verbal tramar?

[@JeriDro]

you're not helping people by telling them this. you're basically telling them it's not their fault and it most certainly is, take it from the child of two alcoholic parents

[@jeanbrown7912]

Whats recommendation for alchol abuse for twenty years feel like when i get some sober months at times etc that my mood is very low and is very tramatic painful in its own way

[@jeanbrown7912]

Also must .ention that gambling for me was big relapse trigger

[@breakingthecycles]

No, I'm saying it's not an excuse for getting a DUI - similar to the idea that having cancer is not an excuse for getting a speeding ticket.

[@darrenwiggins9957]

Thank you.I have been in recovery for a while now.I am still astounded by people who for some reason,feel they must profess it is not a disease.I wonder what they are trying to accomplish with that misinformed statement.I think they just want attention,or are angry with someone in their lives that had the problem and could not stop. I think they want to blame that person and remain angry.I see no good in it.

[@breakingthecycles]

Thank you for your comment, Darren. Let's hope that as more and more people become aware of and understand this new brain and addiction-related research and science, they will accept it as the disease it is, which of course can help with treatment, etc.

[@Helpertin]

You are full of shit darren. Are you saying that you are on the same level as someone with malaria? with ebola? HIV? AIDS? Salmonella? It's not a disease, anyone who says it is is full of shit.

[@darrenwiggins9957]

Guess the DSM V is full of shit I suggest you do some real research, not use you own self imposed ignorance to make blanket statements you sound like an idiot

[@Helpertin]

Darren Wiggins anyone who says alcoholism is a disease sounds like a fucking idiot. is biting your finger nails a disease? according to the logic that says alcoholism is a disease.... yes, biting your fingernails is a disease. the people whom say it is a disease have vested interest in it being considered so, it means more $ coming their way or a shield for their poor choices. people choose to drink in excess, nobody chooses to get infected with malaria.

[@Smorss2011]

I'm sorry Helpertin, but science overwhelmingly shows us that addiction is a disease. The earth is also round and arsenic is a bad thing to put on your skin. Finally, you are the one who sounds like a "fucking idiot". If you care to stick to your original premise, why do you feel the need to use insults? Because you have nothing to back up your claim?

[@readyforthebattle]

What are your views on harm reduction and moderation management and all these that think people can control their drinking. I don't think controlled drinking would work for me

[@IndicaDreaming]

I think it's very realistic, however, not entirely factual to say that an alcoholic must give up forever. As you say the brain can change, it can also change for the better. If an alcoholic completely changes their environmental factors that lead to the alcoholism then it's possible to continue drinking later in life without problems. It is, however, extremely rare for this to happen.

[@breakingthecycles]

Thank you so much for your comment, Rita!!

[@jonesgerard]

I've known a few overeaters who came to AA to get the step experience first hand, it seems to work best in AA compared to the many offshoots which manage to change the program whilst trying to adapt it. It gets watered down. The steps aren't for those who need it, its for those who want it. I find the steps to be the best thing I ever found on this earth. Joe and Charlie are good, but nothing beats doin it yourself.!

[@BlatzBeer]

Thanks for pointing to the clip. In 2000, researchers in England using MRI scans found that learning to be a London taxi driver also produces "abnormal" images. Also, interestingly, the NIAAA's own massive NLAES (1992) and NESARC (2001-02) studies strongly challenge the long-held idea in the treatment field that alcoholism is a "chronic, progressive disease," and issued a summarizing article entitled "Alcoholism Isn't What It Used to Be."

[@zerofourfour9887]

10yr drinker and i feel great

[@AngelaShortt]

Do you crave and think about chocolate all the time? Do you find that this craving interferes with your work, your family relationships and your friends? Do people tell you, "Stop it, damn it! Your teeth are rotting out and you're getting fat!" Do you steal chocolate from co-workers or family members when they aren't looking? Do you get out of bed at night to go to the nearest AM/PM to get chocolate? If none of these applies to you, YOU ARE NOT AN ADDICT. Be grateful and move on with your life.

[@breakingthecycles]

You're so welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@melissacrawford9313]

we are able to live in remission, but we never truly recover

[@SkepticalChris]

aquajet9x9 is correct, the act of drinking anything with alcohol in it, is a series of choices. No one is born with a bottle in their hand, they choose to put that bottle in their hand. Whether someone is physiologically more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol is a different question. it seems more likely that calling it a disease, is just surrendering to the denial of responsibility. No one likes admitting they made bad choices, but choosing to surrender to your weakness is another choice.

[@breakingthecycles]

Actually, it does meet the criteria of a disease, which by its simplest definition is "something" that changes cells negatively. Alcoholism changes cells in the brain as a consequences of the nature of the disease. A person does need to stop the drinking that triggers the disease but that does not mean it's not a brain disease. Check "The Addiction Project" by NIAAA, NIDA, HBO and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shares a great deal of this research.

[@AngelaShortt]

And yet, Bill W. and Dr. Bob recovered. And the first 100 hopeless drunks recovered. It's funny that we now have so many more resources that they didn't have back then, other than the 12 steps and each other. Their rate of recovery was about 50%. What is it now, since people come to meetings to complain about their feelings and not work the Steps? Only 5-10% of people do recover, and those are the people who do the program as it has been laid out by Bill W and Dr. Bob. Really sad.

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

So glad to hear it helped!

[@aquajet9x9]

You can CHOSE to start drinking alcohol, but you don't chose to start having a disease. I understand that you having your own point of view, but I was just stating mine.

[@jonesgerard]

Meetings, reading other books, service work etc etc, that isn't the program, the program is the steps. Everything else is fellowship and no-one has recovered yet from those other activities. When AA was founded , when Bill and Bob recovered there was no book, no meetings to attend.

[@999locke]

come on babe,"rewire the brain"plus how do u cure it? addiction is NOT a disease,its a habit.

[@breakingthecycles]

This new research is changing understandings so rapidly - especially since about 2005. Check out these two publications/websites: Drugs, Brains and Behavior: the Science of Addiction by NIDA and Addiction Science: From Molecules to Managed Care by NIDA. (Alcohol is considered a drug.)

[@redrobb7828]

Thanks Lisa for this information. I thought I already was an alcoholic.

[@breakingthecycles]

RedRobb - you're most welcome - NIAAA's website, Rethinking Drinking, has some terrific information you may also find helpful / interesting.

[@breakingthecycles]

Actually, it does meet the criteria of a disease, which by its simplest definition is "something" that changes cells negatively. Alcoholism changes cells in the brain as a consequences of the nature of the disease. A person does need to stop the drinking that triggers the disease but that does not mean it's not a brain disease. Check the HBO Addiction website for great information and research. There are MANY treatment alternatives -- AA is not the only way.

[@AngelaShortt]

KZbin won't let me post URL's, but there's plenty of web sites on the subject. I suggest you Google caffeine addiction to read the latest pro and con articles. MedicineNet: "Have you ever said that you can't function until your morning cup of coffee? Do you find yourself reaching for caffeinated coffee, tea, or soda when you are feeling lethargic? Could it be that you are addicted to caffeine?" Wikipedia: "Physical and psychological addiction can result from excessive caffeine intake."

[@misaeltony2523]

Christ the One step program 👋

[@SurrenderPink]

Poor deluded soul...

[@breakingthecycles]

The new science shows that a person cannot use alcohol IF they have the brain disease of addiction (in this case, to alcohol). IF they abuse alcohol but are not dependent on it, your correct, they can learn to "re-drink" to stay within moderate (normal) limits. Thanks for your comment.

[@timwilliams2627]

Lisa..I am not happy with you....you put more wind in my sail....I wanted to sink.... now I have to be inspired...I hope that I can return the love..That's a real challenge...Thanks Always

[@lisafrederiksen1161]

This is wonderful news, Tim!! Thanks for letting me know and please know - anytime - feel free to call the number I gave you.

[@AlexandraMcAllister]

Great, informative video! Thanks for sharing.

[@breakingthecycles]

I'm glad you asked. Type in the following title (because we can't include links in comments on youtube), and it will take you to the post I wrote on this topic, "Harm Reduction - Can It Work?" by Lisa Frederiksen

[@jrento9562]

Quit making excuses for these type of people cause a drunken tongue speaks sober thoughts and they're selfish and you can't reason with them and the same goes for people who use dope.

[@breakingthecycles]

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@breakingthecycles]

Thanks for all your comments, Angela. You're correct, there are people who abuse alcohol as you describe that are not alcoholics - meaning they do not have the brain disease of addiction. By the same token, many alcoholics do stop drinking without formal treatment. The important thing is that a person whose drinking causes secondhand drinking (impacts for others because of their drinking behaviors) needs to either change their drinking patterns to fall within low-risk limits or stop drinking.

[@breakingthecycles]

@Libressman Check out the research by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency and others -- alcoholism is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease. It is a disease that can be successfully be treated, for which the key is to stop drinking all together. Understanding how drugs hijack the brain helps explain the disease.

[@breakingthecycles]

Thank you for your comment. Alcoholism is another name for alcohol dependence - which is one of the chronic, often relapsing brain diseases of addiction. "The Addiction Project" by NIAAA, NIDA, HBO and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shares a great deal of this research. Check out the "Brain Imaging" film under "The Films" tab for more insights on the use of fMRI.

[@breakingthecycles]

That's the topic of the video. Thanks for asking.

[@mrshowmeyourcunt3871]

Just pause for a sec while I grab a beer :-) lol

[@breakingthecycles]

If a person is addicted (dependent) on any drug (marijuana, included) or alcohol, they have the brain disease of addiction. The Addiction Project by NIAAA, NIDA, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and HBO provides an excellent explaination of the disease, risk factors, how it happens.... NIDA also has an excellent online resource called Drugs, Brains and Behaviors: the Science of Addiction.

[@breakingthecycles]

Alcoholism is a disease. Alcohol abuse is not. To better understand how it is, check out The Addiction Project by NIDA, NIAAA, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and HBO - also NIDA has an excellent website section titled: Drugs, Brains and Behaviors: the Science of Addiction - I'd include links but wouldn't be able to post the reply if I did. As for AA - it works for some people and not for others. There are many options that a person can use to treat this brain disease.

[@focusedabyss8164]

this all stems back to personal choice. that being the choice to buy alcohol and use it. The same as any other drug

[@milesriddell7408]

alcohol is like crack

[@stayanononline]

(disease) 1. (Medicine / Pathology) any impairment of normal physiological function affecting all or part of an organism, esp a specific pathological change caused by infection, stress, etc., producing characteristic symptoms; illness or sickness in general. there no point attempting to debate this if you know anything about addiction see MRI scans. feel free to debate the treatment though that is much more uncertain and from what I have seen there is no one size fits all.

[@Et111thompson]

Thumbs up if drunk while watching this

[@stayanononline]

compulsive use is addiction. use isn't

[@ivi7792]

This video gave me a disease.

[@AngelaShortt]

I'm in a program that doesn't water down the process of working the steps one bit. We're required to do that in addition to using the tools of daily prayer and meditation, three meetings a week, sponsorship, phone calls (3 a day minimum), a food plan, reading the Big Book and other literature, and daily writing. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. I like Joe and Charlie and other AA speakers because they help clarify working the Steps a little more. Every little bit helps.

[@breakingthecycles]

Thanks for watching!

[@markclay6768]

Interesting

[@breakingthecycles]

Thanks, Alexandra!

[@WIllyGilly321]

IN RELATION TO MY PREVIOUS POST BELOW: I saw this explained on the "Intervention" TV show in a way I can finally buy. Drinking can cause certain people to get the addiction disease. You don't have the disease before you start drinking; although you may be more prone than others to get it. It's like if you abuse yourself in certain ways you can get a disease, like living next door to Chernobyl may cause you to be more prone to Cancer and so on... & RESPONDING TO YOUR POST: When you go off track in my well substantiated opinion (and many others) is when you say 0:55 "it is not a moral weakness... nor a shameful lack of willpower (self control)" This is where you lose a lot of people, including myself! As per my previous example; walking away from Chernobyl is not in any way related to a moral issue. Drinking alcohol to the point of being out of control of the way you live life in a harmful way is a moral issue! God defined this as being a "drunkard" and goes as far as to say a drunkard will not make it to heaven. That makes this a moral issue from a Christian & Jewish standpoint. Beyond that, the moral code of society of a person who "overdoes it" is on the bad side of society's moral code too. It is most definitely a moral issue. What is step 1 in AA? (I don't support AA in any way beyond that as AA does no believe in total restoration, I do). As you have mentally bought into with many others; who seems to have the "let's all just be happy, hold hands and tell each other a secret" disease. Not being able to call a spade a spade for fear of offending someone. Wake Up! The guilt suffered by the inner realisation & desire to adhere to a moral code is always a key ingredient in a person's realisation for the need to turn from substance abuse. If you discover you have Cancer and you live next to Chernobyl and don't move you are an Ignoramus. If you chose to ignore you have a drinking issue, it's moral as well as physical; in the way the abuse has harmed your body & mind... "& MIND". This is what makes it such a complex issue compared to moving away from Chernobyl. You can't move away from a moral code and how your brain plays that out in your life. You have to take the time to deal with it. Nice try and thanks for your help. I think we are all learning. I know this post; along with previous posts; has helped me hone my understanding of this issue where I now have an understanding that fits the reality of what a person goes through in this situation more completely than ever. Peace!

[@justbefree1889]

Ayauwaska and magic mushrooms work wonders! Cannabis to boot!! Thank you Terence McKenna! I know freedom now!

[@1972Gargoyle]

Alcoholism IS NOT A DISEASE!!! YOU CAN'T QUIT CANCER!!!!!!

[@nathanstewart6454]

Alcoholics can't quite either without medical help. Alcohol withdrawal is very life threatning. I call that a disease.

[@1972Gargoyle]

No not really. Alcohol withdrawal actually subsides with time. Cancer does not. ( or other real diseases ) withdrawal does suck, but it's not a medical condition, it's mostly in the users head, mental shit. NOT a disease. Ok and lets talk life threatening... Really? Cancer or AA... Hmm I think I'd pick AA. Can't ween yourself off cancer or away from a tumor or any other real disease. People make the choice to drink then they want everyone to feel sorry for them and support them to stop doing what they decided to do in the first place. Then they use it as a bullshit excuse for the rest of their lives as a fucking sob story. here's an idea... Grow some self esteem and stop looking into a bottle for comfort. "oh I relapsed last night, because I couldn't possibly make the right decision, now feel sorry for me so I can get back on track. Oh and I'm gonna call it a disease to justify my poor judgement and sorry self." It's all a load of bullshit. So here's an idea take those 12 steps of a long cliff and save everyone the sorry bullshit.

[@nathanstewart6454]

No Alcohol withdrawal stops vital nurotramitters from pro forming such as dopamine which plays a vital role in respiration. Lungs can shutdown. Heart failure,stroke the list goes on. That's the reason for controlled medical detox. Alcohol also prevents the body from absorbing vital vitamins such as A and B and a mad host of others which must be replenished pill or IV in extreme cases. No neurotransmitting no body function. As any medical Dr they will tell you the same thing Or simply look it up. I've been a recovered addict for 12 years and know every single aspect of the illness of addiction. Withdrawal is very dangerous .