There’s a lot of confusion about alcoholism and exactly how it affects those who are struggling with it. Some people propose that it is a lifestyle choice, and that stopping drinking is simply a matter of deciding to do so. However, those who understand alcoholism better, including the researchers and treatment professionals who deal with it every day, know that there is much more to it than that.​

Alcoholism is a type of substance addiction. As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, this means alcoholism, like other addictions, is a chronic disease affecting the reward, memory, and motivation systems of the brain. This, in turn, leads to dysfunction in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual manifestations for individuals who are struggling with it. In addition, as with other chronic illnesses, there is no cure for alcoholism; however, there is treatment available that can help individuals manage the condition.