Many people wonder whether alcoholism is a mental illness or simply a problem of self-control. The answer isn’t always straightforward—but the medical community is clear on one thing: alcoholism is a serious medical condition that affects both the brain and mental health.

In fact, alcoholism is clinically recognized and managed as a disorder by healthcare professionals, emphasizing the need for clinical assessment and treatment.

Alcoholism, clinically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, trauma, and mental health conditions. Alcohol use can also worsen existing mental illnesses like anxiety or depression, making recovery more complex without professional treatment.

In this article, we’ll explore what alcoholism really is, how it affects the brain, why it often occurs alongside mental illness, and how integrated treatment offers the best path to recovery.

If you’d like to learn more about our alcohol rehab program at First City Recovery Center in Kokomo, Indiana, contact us today.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoholism is a medically recognized brain disease that affects behavior, brain chemistry, and mental health—not a lack of willpower.
• Alcohol use disorder frequently co-occurs with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, requiring integrated treatment.
• Treating alcoholism and mental health conditions together through dual diagnosis care offers the best chance for long-term recovery and stability.

What is Alcoholism?

Question: What is Alcoholism?

Answer: Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder. It is defined by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences to health, relationships, work, or daily responsibilities.

AUD can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Adults—including adult men, women, and older adults—are among those commonly affected by alcoholism. Some individuals are more vulnerable due to genetics, early exposure to alcohol, trauma, or underlying mental health conditions. Over time, alcohol use can intensify emotional distress and reinforce a cycle of dependence.

Alcoholism frequently co-occurs with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD. Mental illness can increase the risk of alcohol misuse, while alcohol use can worsen psychiatric symptoms—creating a difficult, interconnected cycle.

How Is Alcoholism Diagnosed?

Medical professionals diagnose alcohol use disorder using criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Patients undergoing evaluation are assessed with a patient-centered approach, ensuring their individual needs and experiences are considered throughout the diagnostic process. During an evaluation, a doctor may ask whether, in the past year, a person has:

• Drunk more or longer than intended
• Tried and failed to cut back
• Spent excessive time drinking or recovering
• Neglected work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continued drinking despite personal or health consequences
• Engaged in risky behaviors while drinking

A diagnosis is based on the number of criteria met:

• 2–3 symptoms: Mild AUD
• 4–5 symptoms: Moderate AUD
• 6 or more symptoms: Severe AUD

Is Alcoholism Recognized as a Disease?

Yes. In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially classified alcoholism as a disease. This designation is based on several defining features:

Biological Basis: Alcoholism is rooted in changes to brain chemistry and neurological function—not moral failure or lack of willpower.

Chronic and Progressive Nature: AUD does not typically resolve on its own and often worsens without treatment.

Observable Symptoms: Alcoholism produces measurable physical, psychological, and behavioral signs that require medical intervention. In severe cases, stabilization in a hospital setting may be necessary before transitioning to less intensive levels of care.

Predictable Course: With proper treatment, recovery is possible. Without it, alcoholism tends to follow a worsening pattern. Contact First City Recovery Center today.

How Alcoholism Affects the Brain and Mental Health

Long-term alcohol use alters the brain’s chemical balance, significantly impacting mood, stress, and emotional regulation. Like other drugs, alcohol affects neurotransmitters and brain function, leading to changes that can disrupt normal mental processes.

GABA: Alcohol enhances GABA activity, producing sedation and relaxation. Over time, this can increase anxiety and depression due to rebound effects when alcohol wears off.

Dopamine: Alcohol stimulates dopamine, reinforcing drinking behavior. Chronic use reduces dopamine sensitivity, making everyday pleasure harder to experience and increasing depression risk.

Serotonin: Disrupted serotonin pathways contribute to mood instability, irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

These changes can make the brain dependent on alcohol to function “normally,” fueling cravings and compulsive use.

Alcoholism and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders

Nearly half of people with alcohol use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition. Common dual diagnoses include:

• Depression: Alcohol worsens depressive symptoms over time
• Anxiety Disorders: Temporary relief gives way to heightened anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder: Alcohol intensifies mood swings
• PTSD: Alcohol may dull symptoms briefly, but worsens flashbacks and nightmares

Experiences of domestic violence can significantly increase the risk of developing both alcoholism and co-occurring mental health conditions, as trauma from such experiences often contributes to substance use and mental illness.

Alcohol is often used as a form of self-medication, but this approach ultimately deepens both conditions.

What are the Factors that Increase the Risk of Alcoholism?

Several factors can increase the risk of alcoholism and addiction. It’s important to recognize these risk factors, as they can help individuals, families, and healthcare professionals take preventive measures and provide appropriate support. Here are some key factors that contribute to the risk of alcoholism and addiction:

Treating Alcoholism and Mental Illness Together

When alcoholism and mental illness occur together, integrated treatment is essential. Comprehensive addiction treatment like here in First City Recovery addresses both substance use and mental health conditions through a continuum of care, including detox, inpatient, outpatient, and ongoing support tailored to individual needs.

Determining the Primary Concern

• If alcohol dependence is severe, medical detox followed by inpatient rehab may come first. Many treatment centers like First City Recovery in Kokomo offer detox as an initial step in the recovery process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
• If mental illness drives alcohol use, psychiatric care and therapy may be prioritized.

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The most effective approach treats both conditions at the same time through:

• Individual and group therapy
• Medication management
• Family education
• Relapse prevention planning
• Mental health treatment
• Alcohol treatment
• Outpatient drug programs
• Intensive outpatient program

Support resources may include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• SMART Recovery
• Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient drug and alcohol treatment services

Our rehab center is accredited and offers inpatient care as part of our comprehensive addiction and mental health services. We provide individualized treatment programs tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized approach to recovery and mental health treatment.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

At First City Recovery Center, we recognize that recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges doesn’t end with initial treatment—it’s a lifelong journey. That’s why our city recovery center family is dedicated to providing individualized treatment programs that extend beyond detox and inpatient care, supporting clients as they transition back into daily life.

Our aftercare and relapse prevention services are designed to help clients achieve long-term recovery by offering a robust network of support. We provide a full continuum of care, including ongoing therapy, group therapy sessions, and intensive outpatient programs, all tailored to address the unique needs of each person.

Whether you’re managing withdrawal symptoms, coping with anxiety or depression, or navigating co-occurring conditions like post traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders, our team is here to help.

Educational support is a cornerstone of our aftercare program, empowering clients to develop healthy coping strategies and manage stress effectively. Through group therapy and individual counseling, clients build connections and resilience, while our case management services ensure access to vital community resources and outpatient services.

Our Visible Recovery alumni program keeps clients connected to the city recovery center family, offering ongoing encouragement and a sense of belonging. We believe that staying engaged with a supportive community is key to maintaining progress and preventing relapse.

First City Recovery Center is proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care. We accept a variety of insurance benefits to make our programs accessible, and our facility on Jefferson Street in Kokomo, Indiana, welcomes clients from across the state.

As the holiday season approaches, we wish all our clients a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with renewed hope, health, and healing. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from pre-exposure support to extended-release medication management, ensuring you have the tools and guidance needed for long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step, contact First City Recovery Center today. We offer a range of programs—including inpatient and outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and medical detox—to help you determine the best path forward. Join our city recovery center family and discover the support, compassion, and expertise you need to reclaim your life and achieve lasting recovery.

Get Help for Alcoholism and Mental Health Disorders

At First City Recovery Center in Kokomo, Indiana, we specialize in treating co-occurring alcohol addiction and mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis programs are designed to help patients achieve lasting sobriety while managing their mental well-being, with the goal of supporting them in becoming healthy members of their communities after recovery.

Conveniently located on Jefferson Street, Kokomo, our facility is easily accessible for local residents seeking help in Kokomo.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact First City Recovery Center today and take the first step toward a healthier, more stable future.