Antonia Ryan
Antonia Ryan
Episode 64 - Beyond Willpower: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder as a Brain Disease
Episode 64 - Beyond Willpower: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder as a Brain Disease
Episode 64 - Beyond Willpower: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder as a Brain Disease
Thursday 3rd July 2025
Explore why Alcohol Use Disorder is more than a willpower issue; it's a brain disease needing medical support.
18 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
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Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Antonia Ryan
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Financial Health in Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Beyond Willpower: Unpacking Alcohol Use Disorder as a Brain Disease
Episode Overview
- Alcohol Use Disorder is classified as a brain disease, not just a lack of willpower.
- Understanding AUD as a medical condition can help reduce stigma and improve treatment approaches.
- The brain's reward system is hijacked by alcohol, making quitting challenging.
- Effective treatments include medications and cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Support groups provide community and accountability during recovery.
AUD isn't just a behavioural issue; it's been classified now as a brain disease.
In this episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show, hosts Antonia Ryan and Lewis David tackle the often misunderstood concept of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) as a brain disease. Many have mistakenly viewed AUD as a mere failure of willpower, but the science says otherwise. You'll get an inside look at how alcohol rewires the brain's reward system, leading to tolerance and cravings that aren't just about drinking too much.
It's like trying to stop a runaway train with a feather – sheer determination often isn't enough. Antonia, with her knack for simplifying complex topics, explains how AUD impacts key areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, affecting decision-making and memory. Ever wondered why quitting feels impossible despite knowing the consequences? This episode sheds light on that mystery.
With anecdotes about how the brain's reward system becomes a false friend, especially for those who started drinking to manage social anxiety, you'll find relatable insights throughout. The episode doesn't shy away from the serious stuff, diving into treatment options like medications and therapy that address AUD as a medical condition. Whether it's cognitive behavioural therapy or joining support groups like AA, there's a wealth of advice for those seeking a way out.
Antonia and Lewis also discuss the importance of recognising AUD as a medical condition to reduce stigma and approach recovery with empathy. This understanding can be a game-changer in how society views addiction. So, if you're curious about the brain science behind AUD or looking for practical recovery tips, this episode is a must-listen. It might just change your perspective on what real recovery entails.