What is alcoholism? (Or problem drinking? Or addiction?)

These are individually and collectively referred to by clinicians as 'chemical dependence' and the scientific community are virtually unanimous in their judgment of this being a primary, chronic & progressive disease.

Primary means that it is not a symptom of some underlying condition

Chronic means lifelong

Progressive means that if left untreated, it gets worse

Disease means it is an involuntary disability, not a choice

What does this mean for the individual?

Experience and research have shown that once people reach a certain stage with their drinking or drug use their brain chemistry actually changes. They become physically unable to metabolise even the smallest amount of their addictive substance without experiencing an overwhelming craving for more.

And more

And more

For these people, the chemically dependent, the only solution is to never use this substance again (or any other mind-altering chemical, because the brain has an amazing ability to cross-addict).
Can't I just stop by myself?

If you think you may have reached this stage...

Or even if you are not sure, the best thing to do is to get a thorough assessment from an Alcohol and Other Drug professional.
Contact us