Using pharmacological means to treat recovering alcoholics demonstrates the identification of alcoholism as a physical disease, and it has also led to greater refinement of clinical treatment. At present, however, there is no miracle cure or preventative. It has wide ranging effects on a number of brain chemicals and areas of the brain, and it disrupts cell membranes globally. We can't really say that there is a specific brain chemical that is associated with alcoholism. Within the context of a more comprehensive treatment plan, they may be one part of recovery.
Recovery is an ongoing process.
If nothing else, my announcing that, 'Hi, I'm Pat and I'm an alcoholic,' gives me a reassurance that that's who I am today. That's the main part of who I am. I can figure out who else I am by that. I go one or two times a week, not only for myself but for others. It's a family, it truly is.