Is Alcoholism a Disease? Indiana Center for Recovery

But, these stages are based on a corrupt study that the author, himself, later refuted. Jellinek not only published a fraudulent study, he defrauded members of his academic community, and apparently lied about his educational background to gain acceptance. Nonetheless, it was Jellinek’s “Stages of the Alcoholism” that led to diagnosing alcoholism as a disease and eventually to the medical acceptance of alcoholism as a disease. Astoundingly, the inception of the disease theory and treatment for substance abuse is based on fraud. In short, the need for addictive substances becomes hardwired in the brain, to the point that the brain can’t distinguish between healthy rewards and drug rewards.

Inevitably, the users become unwilling victims, and just as inevitably they take on that role. In retrospect then, the disease concept has effectively increased alcoholism and drug use. Furthermore, its only benefit has been vast monetary reward for the professionals’ and governmental agencies responsible for providing recovery services. Specifically, it has not offered a solution for those attempting to stop abusive alcohol and drug use.

Poorer Quality of Life

A person must meet at least 2 of the 11 criteria during the same 12-month period. Additional lab tests including screening for nutritional deficiencies and blood markers of inflammation can also be useful to determine the illness stage. It can depend on how high-functioning the person with the disorder is and how long they’ve been in the cycle of addiction.

Worldwide, morbidity due to alcohol abuse is on a par with malaria and unsafe sex, greater than that from smoking, and far greater than morbidity from illegal drug use. These numbers place alcoholism in the front rank of public-health problems. Heavy smoking shortens life by roughly 8 years—alcoholism shortens it by 15 years.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized alcoholism as an illness; in 1987, it added addiction to that list. Before a patient enters a detoxification facility, a doctor must thoroughly analyze their history of alcohol dependence, initial withdrawal symptoms, and medical and psychiatric sober house history to determine their risk of withdrawal. Patients may also have blood work done and be screened for any co-occurring mental or physical health conditions as part of this examination. It is important to remember that AUD is not due to an individual’s lack of self-discipline or resolve.