But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. Most experts agree that alcoholism is a disease, just as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis are diseases. Like these other diseases, alcoholism tends to run in the family.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease.
The main treatment for alcoholism is to stop drinking alcohol. This can be difficult, because most people who are alcoholics feel a strong desire for alcohol when they stop drinking. Naltrexone may help you stay sober for a long time. Although your doctor has prescribed naltrexone to help you stop drinking, this medicine is not a complete cure for your alcoholism. It can help you stop drinking while you get other treatments that your doctor will talk about with you.