Is "Once an Alcoholic, Always an Alcoholic" True? The Future of Recovery in 2025

For decades, the idea that "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic" has dominated conversations about addiction. This belief suggests that those who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) must either embrace lifelong abstinence or face inevitable relapse. However, with advancements in medical research, treatment approaches, and personal choice, this old concept no longer holds up.