No, alcoholism is not reversible.  It can be stopped and recovery can be extremely successfully but if an alcoholic returns to drinking, he or she takes off where they left off.  Resumption of drinking signals that the alcoholic continues to deny that he or she is an alcoholic. The problem is that people will say that they are alcoholics or admit that they have a drinking problem, but, deep down, they don’t believe it.  They find it hard to see themselves getting so low and becoming a derelict on Skid Row. They have a home, family, friends, and employment, even a career and cannot envisage themselves sleeping on a park bench or clutching a bottle of wine in a brown paper bag. I did meet a derelict sleeping on a park bench more than 25 years ago. He was a doctor and had lost all his worldly possessions, his family and friends. I put him in a half-way house and explained to him that alcoholism is a disease. He knew that but still had the opinion that he was worthless, useless and wanted to die. That man is now my eye surgeon. He resumed his studies and regained his licence. He was originally an eye surgeon and lost the ability to operate because of his alcoholism. He was kicked out of a high profile position and left to his own devise.  His recovery was gleaned with setbacks but he soldiered on and gained back his confidence, self-esteem and medical practice. Was this a miracle? Perhaps, but he was committed to changing his thinking to change his feelings (emotions) to ultimately change his behavior.  He is still sober today. Alcoholism has no specific target. It takes, doctors, anaesthetists, nurses, teachers, accountants, mechanics, and so the list goes on. I have treated high profile people over the past 26 years and have seen them recover sufficiently to return to their role in their Community. Unfortunately, there are no degrees of alcoholism. Either you are an alcoholic or you are not. You can’t be 25% alcoholic or 99% alcoholic. It’s like trying to be a little bit pregnant. Alcoholics, given certain combinations of circumstances culminating in rejection by family and loss of job, can finish up in Skid Row unless they become sober. Many don’t reach Skid Row because they die first of cirrhosis of the liver or other medical problems, like cancer, heart disease and a host of other alcohol related problems. Or they die by their own hand or in a car accident. Others become insane. The disease of alcoholism has its own set of symptoms, which occur in a more or less orderly fashion; and complete moral, physical and spiritual degradation is one of the final stages. Fortunately, there is hope, even for those who have travelled well down the path and have had many hospitalisations. Provided drinking is stopped before the damage is too great, seemingly miraculous transformations are possible. If you know someone who has an alcohol problem or a member of your family is suffering from alcoholism; the following list portrays the sequence of events in the life of an alcoholic. Drinking begins – relief drinking begins – constant relief drinking – psychological dependency on alcohol – blackouts – early afternoon drinks – inability to stop when others do – blaming others for drinking – family problems increase – attempts to stop or cut down fail – financial and occupational problems arise – physical problems start – shaking hands – headaches – sweats – aggressive behavior – neglect of food – loss of family – drinking for oblivion – repression – loss of job – onset of lengthy intoxication – first hospitalization – vague fears – inability to function without alcohol – suicidal thoughts – moral and spiritual collapse – obsession with drinking – death. The liver is particularly endangered by alcoholism. About 30% of heavy drinkers develop hepatitis and 10% to 20% develop cirrhosis. In the liver, alcohol converts to an even more toxic substance, acetaldehyde, which can cause substantial damage. Not eating when drinking and consuming a variety of alcoholic beverages are also factors that increase the risk for liver damage. People with alcoholism are also at higher risk for hepatitis B and C, potentially chronic liver diseases than can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Alcoholism is not reversible and you can’t control it but you can stop drinking with professional help.  Brain Chemistry plays an integral part in early recovery and I recommend Tyrosine Mood Food, necessary for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline. These are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood. Tyrosine is required for the manufacture of adrenalin in the adrenal glands to assist those suffering with adrenal exhaustion. The state of your liver has a big impact on your state of mind so that those with a fatty liver may find themselves irritable and moody with a poor memory and difficulty keeping up with life’s demands. Depression and poor sleep may be associated with a fatty liver and these things resolve when we improve the liver function.  I recommend Livatone Plus - a powerful formula that can support liver function when there are more serious liver problems due to alcohol. L-Glutamine is an amino acid and has been shown to improve brain function and can also relieve emotional pain as we are often very sensitive people, and is a primary ingredient in Ultimate Gut Health. Vegetable juice has been successfully used to clear out fatty livers and can help with a myriad of health disorders.  Dr. Cabot has a great juice book that’s easy to follow and has recipes to help rejuvenate your liver. Raw Juices Can Save Your Life. Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress and is also known as the “great relaxer”. My book, Help for Depression and Anxiety, is an excellent read for people suffering with depression, stress and anxiety.