Is Alcoholism a Disease? with Dr. Drew Pinsky

In this episode of Soberness, Cat sits down with Dr. Drew Pinsky for an unflinching conversation on addiction, free will, and the science behind labeling alcoholism as a disease. Together, they unpack one of the most controversial and personal questions in recovery: is alcoholism a choice or a brain disease? Dr. Drew breaks down: Why he defines disease as a gene–environment interaction that leads to abnormal physiology and predictable patterns. How addiction disrupts motivational systems in the brain, making drug or alcohol use the only priority. The role of childhood trauma as a consistent environmental factor in the progression of addiction. Why denial, shame, and impaired memory are not excuses but symptoms of brain changes caused by substances. The difference between a disease and a syndrome, and why addiction doesn’t fit the “just stop if you want to” narrative. This episode is raw, challenging, and clarifies decades of public debate with clear medical framing. If you’ve ever wrestled with whether addiction is about willpower, or if calling it a disease feels like an escape hatch, you need to hear Dr. Drew’s perspective. Listen now and join the conversation about what addiction really is, how it develops, and what it means for anyone seeking recovery. Submit your story: https://soberness.com/ For more content from Cat Greenleaf, check out her socials below!   / catgreenleaf     / sobernesspodcast     / cat-greenleaf-52900279