Alcoholism Q & A

When it comes to alcoholism and addiction, a number of questions, concerns and myths must be dispelled in order to gain a healthy understanding of the condition at hand. In this entry, we will work through some of the more common questions in an effort to inform and enlighten those afflicted.

Q: What is alcoholism?

A: Alcoholism is a disease. Those struggling with the disease have lost the ability manage their alcohol intake and are thus unable to gain control without exterior help. Alcoholics will often lose control over their actions when drinking to excess.

Q: What causes alcoholism?

A: Experts still remain uncertain as to why some individuals become alcoholics. Many people begin drinking only a little bit only to get hooked down the road. People might use alcohol to calm their nerves or forget their troubles, but end up needing it to achieve some sense of normalcy.

Q: Can you define an “average” alcoholic?

 A: The short answer is no. Alcoholics are found within every social class, race, religion, and age-range.

Q: Is there a cure?

A: The only sure-fire cure for alcoholism is complete abstinence. Those in recovery from alcoholism are referred to as “recovering alcoholics”. These individuals have the potential to lead happy, healthy and productive lives following treatment.

Q: Can you force an alcoholic to stop drinking?

A: Unfortunately, no. Though an alcoholic will often require help to curb their addiction, there is no way to force them to accept treatment. Friends and family members of alcoholics must understand that they are unable to provide assistance on their own. Alcoholics must obtain the help of trained professionals in order to properly address the condition. 

5 Faces of Celebrity Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a physical addiction affecting the mental health, physical health, and familial, social, and work-related aspects of the afflicted individual. Alcohol becomes priority in the person’s life, dominating relationships and ambition. Alcoholism in celebrities can pose serious harm to the star’s career, public and personal life, while inhibiting or diminishing their success.

Truman Capote

In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s writer Truman Capote struggled publicly with drug addiction and alcoholism. The famed Novelist entered rehab during the 1970’s, but due to his already compromised state, died at age 59 in 1984. Truman’s failure to complete his final, unfinished offering, Unanswered Prayers has since been blamed on his prolonged substance issues.

Billy Joel

The Piano Man has admitted to a long struggle with alcohol abuse during adulthood. According to Joel, drinking was able to inhibit his personal relationships and career. Joel entered a rehabilitation facility following pleas from fellow musician Elton John. He remains clean and sober to this day.

Stephen King

The novelist behind classics, Stand by Me, Carrie, and The Green Mile struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for years. King entered treatment following a 1987 intervention by friends and family members and has maintained his sobriety ever since.

Robin Williams

Actor/Comedian Robin Williams dabbled in alcohol and cocaine abuse during his early career, but decided to quit following the death of friend John Belushi in 1982. When Williams began hitting the bottle again in 2006, he sought immediate treatment for his addiction. These days, Robin Williams is dry as dirt.

Ernest Hemingway

Perhaps the world’s most well-known literary alcoholic, Hemingway used alcohol heavily throughout his life. Over time, the writer experienced extreme physical and mental issues, aggravated by continued consumption. Ernest Hemingway chose to end his own life prematurely at age 61.

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