You may have heard alcoholism described as an allergy, especially in AA. For many people, this language helps explain why drinking feels different once it starts. Understanding what this means, and what it does not, can bring much-needed clarity.
Alcohol addiction and the idea of “allergy of the body”
There is a belief in AA that alcohol addiction is an allergy. This idea, often summarised by people asking is alcoholism an allergy, stems from an explanation in the Big Book about why some people are incapable of drinking alcohol in moderation. Dr William Silkworth describes alcoholism as an allergy in The Doctor’s Opinion. He writes:
‘We believe […] that the action of alcohol on these chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy; that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and never occurs in the average temperate drinker’.
This idea is sometimes described within AA as an AA allergy to alcohol, or as an alcoholism allergy of the body, meaning that once alcohol is introduced, a powerful physical response is triggered. This way of thinking is also referred to as the allergy of the body alcoholism concept, although it is not used as a medical diagnosis today.
Alcohol intolerance and allergic reactions
The characterisation of alcohol addiction as an allergy can be confusing because there is such a thing as an alcohol allergy, and it is very different from alcohol addiction. True alcohol allergies are rare, but they do exist. Alcohol allergy symptoms can include rash, trouble breathing, stomach cramps, collapse, and anaphylaxis, which may involve a rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately. This leads some people to ask, can you be allergic to alcohol? In rare cases, the answer is yes, but this involves an immune system response rather than addiction.
Far more common is alcohol intolerance. Symptoms of intolerance include flushing, diarrhoea, headache, rash, heartburn, a stuffy nose, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Typically, this is a reaction to something in the drink other than alcohol itself. It could be wheat, yeast, barley, hops, egg proteins, sulphites, or another common allergen.If you experience diarrhoea and a rash every time you drink alcohol, you are unlikely to drink often or in large amounts.
Is alcoholism an allergic reaction?
Although it is not technically accurate to describe alcohol addiction as an allergy, the idea can still be useful. From a medical perspective, alcohol addiction is not an allergic reaction, so the answer to “is alcoholism an allergic reaction?” is no. Allergic reactions involve the immune system, while addiction involves changes in the brain and behaviour.
However, the concept of an alcoholism allergy may help explain why abstinence is so important for some people. No one chooses to have an allergy, especially one that is life-threatening. In this sense, the allergy metaphor moves addiction away from a moral failing model and towards a health-based understanding.
Why AA still uses allergy language
It is perhaps unfortunate that AA has adopted the term ‘allergy’. It can be confusing and may affect the organisation’s credibility with scientifically oriented audiences. While it fails as a diagnosis, it works reasonably well as a metaphor. You can decline food by saying, ‘No thanks, I’m allergic’. If you are addicted to alcohol, exposure can be dangerous in a similar way, although the harm may take longer to appear.
Support when you’re ready
If questions about alcohol, addiction, or abstinence feel relevant to you or someone you care about, you do not have to figure it out alone. At Smarmore Castle, our experienced and empathetic team are committed to delivering high-quality, personalised support for addiction and co-occurring disorders. We offer medically supervised detox, inpatient rehabilitation programmes and aftercare support to promote successful and long-lasting recovery. Speaking to our team can help you find a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our personalised treatment plans.
Download our Brochure
FAQ
-
Is alcoholism an allergy?
Alcohol addiction is not considered an allergy in medical terms. The idea comes from Alcoholics Anonymous, where alcoholism is described as an allergy to explain why some people lose control once they start drinking. Today, this is understood as a metaphor rather than a diagnosis.
-
What does “allergy of the body” mean in alcoholism?
The phrase allergy of the body is used in AA to describe how alcohol triggers a strong physical craving in some people. This is sometimes referred to as an “alcoholism allergy of the body” or the “allergy of the body alcoholism” concept. It does not involve the immune system and is not used in modern medical diagnosis.
-
Is alcoholism an allergic reaction?
No. From a medical perspective, alcohol addiction is not an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions involve the immune system, while addiction involves changes in the brain that affect reward, impulse control, and behaviour.
-
What is meant by the AA’s “allergy to alcohol” theory ?
The AA allergy to alcohol theory refers to the belief that people with alcoholism cannot drink safely at all. The idea is that once alcohol is consumed, it triggers a compulsion to continue. This helps reinforce abstinence rather than moderation.
-
Can you be allergic to alcohol?
Yes, but it is rare. Some people ask “can you be allergic to alcohol”, and in a small number of cases, true alcohol allergy does exist. This involves an immune response and is different from alcohol addiction or intolerance.
-
What are alcohol allergy symptoms?
Alcohol allergy symptoms may include a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps, a rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, collapse, or anaphylaxis. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after drinking alcohol should seek urgent medical attention.
-
What is the difference between alcohol allergy and alcoholism?
An alcohol allergy involves the immune system reacting to alcohol or related substances. Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, involves loss of control over drinking and ongoing use despite harm. Although AA uses allergy language, the two conditions are medically very different.
-
Why does AA use the term “alcoholism allergy”?
The term “alcoholism allergy” is used within AA to reduce blame and explain why abstinence is necessary for some people. While the language is outdated scientifically, it has helped many people understand their relationship with alcohol and seek support.
