Alcoholism: A Disease?

Medical definitions describe alcoholism as a disease influenced by genetic, psychological and social factors, any of which may result in a persistent difficulty in controlling alcohol consumption.

While I believe a predisposition to alcohol use can be inborn, I feel alcohol abuse is another subject entirely. My connotation of the word 'disease' usually refers to ailments where there are no preventative measures or 'free will' involved. In my opinion, alcoholism represents a lack of good judgement, and the failure of praticing self-control.

- Do you believe alcholism is a disease? Why or Why not?
- Do you feel that the definition of alcoholism as a disease is fair or unfair? Why?
- Should alcoholics be treated as the afflicted are treated, and not responsible for the results of their sickness (both in their alcoholism, and the results thereof)? Why or why not?

As a side note, yes I do know alcoholics. Both those who have completed the program, and some who have not.

No, I haven't been hurt by an alcoholic. Thank you for your concern, however I'm simply an informed person who does a lot of research, and likes to get opinions on what other people feel about certain topics. I form my opinions based on a combination of religion, tangible evidence, and logical opinion.

Read "Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie. The book is specifically written for spouses/children/friends etc. of alcoholics (and other addicts).

I think that you have been hurt by an alcoholic and want justification for disliking that person. If I'm right, you don't need anyone's approval for the way you feel.

I think it is a disease. I've watched it eat away at my man (he finally quit drinking), and he really could not control it. Furthermore, he learned to drink from his family and started in elementary school. How is that his fault? How could he have prevented being born into a family with heavy drinkers and alcoholics on both sides? In addition, he loses his free will when the alcohol hits his system. Remember that alcoholics, and most addicts in general, have a chemical imbalance. The definition is fair, in my opinion.

Alcoholics should be held responsible for the results of being drunk all the time. Of course I think that if you are HIV +, you should be responsible for educating the people around you and keeping both them and you safe. I think that if you have MS and know that your legs aren't working properly that day that you are responsible if you get in a car and wreck. It's all the same to me. If you have a disease, and you know it, you are responsible for any results, so take care of it.