If Alcoholism is a disease, how much is the Alcoholic at fault?

I'm always told alcoholism is a disease, but at the same time everyone's always mad at alcoholics because they choose to drink. How much of the problem is the disease? When they start treating others poorly, like lying and acting selfish, is this their fault or that of the disease?

Good question. It is a persons choice to drink alcohol, but when the problem becomes more than they can handle and it becomes addictive, then it becomes a disease. Many alcoholics try to quit cold turkey and they they have serious withdrawal symptoms so some continue to do it so they won't have to experience this or face realities of life even though this causes unpleasant or distressing events in the user's life.

Deep down a alcoholic knows what they are doing is wrong when it comes to treating others poorly, lying, stealing, acting selfish etc., they are just trying to support their habit without stopping the problem or they truly don't know how to stop and don't seek treatment.

They have to take responsibility and seek help, but no one can make them do it, they have to do it on their own. If they are not willing to seek help and treatment, then it is their fault, not the disease's fault, in my opinion. For instance if you have diabetes and don't take your medication to control your diabetes, that is your fault not the diseases fault when it gets worse, etc. Everyone has to take responsibility for their actions. Sure I understand it is extremely hard for them, it is an addiction, but they have to take responsiblity and seek treatment.

It is not clear why some people have problems with alcohol and others do not, although experts know that alcoholism can be passed down in families (genetic link). Experts believe that alcohol problems are also caused by cultural values (such as being part of a group of people who drink a lot) and mental health issues (such as drinking as a way of coping with stress or problems).

Addiction to alcohol is not a sign of weakness and does not mean someon has lack of willpower. Alcoholism is a long-term disease, just like asthma or diabetes, but the person has to take responsibility and seek treatment.

Often alcohol and drug abuse is usually an unconscious attempt at self-treatment for another problem, such as depression.

Unfortunately is it the most commonly abused drug drug by children ages 12 to 17. Alcoholism has also been known to run in families.

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it is totally their fault rehab drink rehab drink rehab drink
does that help a bit =they won't stop either unless they want to

Choosing to drink and not taking any control or responsibility is the fault. It becomes a disease when it gets out of hand and goes too far. Part of the responsibility is to have something done about it; counseling and AA meetings.

That's quite a philosophical mire to sink into. It is a disease. But. Once you learn about your weaknesses, and get into recovery, it's a little tougher. If you know that you can't handle alcohol at all (like being an alcoholic) and you pick up that first drink, you can't blame anyone or anything else for your relapse. Whatever you do is still your responsibility, whether you are aware of it or not. It is tough, because it's an addiction, so how much can one really choose? It's very subjective, but somewhere along the line you have to take responsibility for yourself and not expect everyone else to pick up your pieces. So if you know that one little drink will lead to more and more and will lead to lying and worse, you should not pick up that first drink. It's hard, but it's your moral obligation.

I think anything can be done in moderation. Afterall, Jesus drank. And, I dont see a problem with someone having a drink with a meal or a beer at a ballgame, but only the person drinking can decide what is too much for him/her. And the officer pulling them over will decide what the state thinks is too much.

Alcoholism, like drug addiction, is considered a disease. The only difference being that alcohol is legal (if you're old enough), and that drugs are not (unless they are prescribed to you--but one can even become addicted to those).

However, alcoholics (and drug addicts) need to want to change for themselves. If they change to please someone else, it won't last for long--it has to be for them.

Our criminal justice system is going to put a murderer, rapist, one guilty of assault, etc. in jail--even if done under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Truly, they should be building more hospital-type jails for the care and rehab. of these people--rather than sticking them in prisons, where they get no help.

Yes, people get mad at other people who drink, etc. However, it is a disease--and the person with it sometimes needs to hit rock bottom (lose everything & everyone) before realizing that they truly have a problem.

Alcoholism most often comes from family members who drink and it is a way of life,,the children live with it ,,it just keeps going down the line,,what can first make us happy with a few drinks often changes to unhappy words said that can't be taken back,then when we think we are all alone and nobody cares then theres always that bottle for comfort,,it never talks back,,but it does make you do the things that you would never do sober,,be careful also it strips you of your organs if you abuse it,,then you die a painful death with it recorded on your death certificate,,do you really want your people who do care for you to have to deal with their pain that they couldn't help,,listen out there don't abuse your body,,moderation in all is good for you,,not over board,,have a good day,,be happy,,make someone else happy,,it will get contagious,,,keep it going,,,

Some things go hand in hand with addiction ie..lying, being selfish, sometimes stealing. I think those things are part of the disease. Also people who've been drinking heavily for many years do become mentally impaired to a degree.
However when it comes to rape, murder, assault ect.. I think a line needs to be drawn. Yes they may be an alcoholic and obviously they are sick (mentally) but I personally don't think everything can be blamed on the alcohol sometimes it's the person.
Part of AA is taking responsibility for the actions the person has done. It is there because they did and they need to admit and acknowledge it.