Alcoholism - Prognosis

Recovery from alcoholism is a life-long process. In fact, people who have suffered from alcoholism are encouraged to refer to themselves as recovering alcoholics, rather than recovered alcoholics. Probably because alcoholism is believed to be an inherited condition, the risk of returning to an alcoholic lifestyle never completely disappears.

The prognosis for many alcoholics is fairly good. Studies of alcoholics who have the support of family and friends, who are otherwise healthy, and who are motivated, indicate that 60 percent give up drinking for at least one year and, in many cases, for a lifetime.