Is alcoholism a disease or a learned behavior? An addiction specialist answers

Dr. John Mendelson discusses his stance on alcohol addiction. Is alcoholism a disease or is alcoholism a learned behavior?

Dr. Mendelson, chief medical officer and founder at Ria Health, has been a researcher and physician in the field of addiction for over 30 years. He will share his perspective and stance on what alcohol addiction really is, and how best to effectively treat this condition.

Ria Health delivers evidence-based care that includes medications, one on one support, a digital app, and progress tools. We support people who want to either reduce or stop drinking with the care of an expert medical team and community support.

We use safe and FDA approved medications such as naltrexone, which is the cornerstone of the Sinclair Method. We also support not for profit advocates that promote awareness of options for people who want to change their relationship with alcohol. We are proud sponsors of Claudia Christian's CThree Foundation and Moderation Management.

Contact us at:
800-504-5360

[squirrel]

Hi Doctor. I've been working in behavioral health for over 10+ years and have remained an alcoholic. I'm a professional and successful, but am struggling myself, even as i'm writing this. I don't know if this is a disease or not, but what I will say is there seems to be an allergy that is absolutely uncontrollable for me to use this substance. There's no family issue, job, or scenario that will deter me. I feel sick and I literally tell my self I won't do it....but I do. Let's pretend there's no such thing as "willpower" with this problem. How would you diagnose it?

[CrazyCoon]

I don’t understand why more behavioral health professionals are not talking about trauma. Trauma is the gateway drug for so many people. I mean, if you look at people who have experienced either complex trauma, childhood trauma PTSD, so either multiple traumas childhood trauma or a significant trauma from one specific experience, you see some damage in the lobes that are affected by stroke. So trauma does change the brain.

[DwightDePalmer]

Best explanation I’ve ever heard yet! And I’ve been through TWO rehabs.

[c.s.hayden]

It’s not a disease, it’s a predisposition. With that, you learn how to redirect yourself and move on. The problem with disease thinking is it’s more like a learned helplessness that forever traps you in therapy.

[thecastle]

its an actual compulsion or habit..not a disease...its learned