There remains much debate around the issue of alcoholism as a disease. The side of the debate you are on probably depends on whether or not you or someone you know is an alcoholic. If you have lived with an alcoholic, you probably believe alcoholism is a disease. If you have had little exposure to alcoholism, you may view it simply as a personal choice to drink too much alcohol. You group alcoholism with other excessive behaviors.
For the most part, the medical community treats alcoholism as a disease. In fact, alcoholism is categorized as a chronic and progressive disease. It can progress to a point of fatality. Alcoholics die as a result of vehicular accidents, alcohol poisoning, and liver disease among other complications.
DISEASE
Alcoholism is basically defined as an obsession that evolves into an uncontrollable compulsion for alcohol. There are physical symptoms that help define alcoholism as a disease. Keep in mind that alcoholism is considered a family disease because it impacts everyone living with the alcoholic. This is not a disease that causes pain only to the "patient". It causes pain and other symptoms such as depression in everyone who loves the alcoholic.
Studies are being conducted to determine if an actual addictive gene exists that predisposes individuals to substance abuse, whether alcohol, nicotine or narcotics. If such a gene is discovered, it may confirm alcoholism as an organic disease. This means it is a latent disorder that an individual is born with, is triggered later in life and develops into a disease.
Opponents of alcoholism as a disease often site the role of environment in alcohol dependency. Two children grow up in an alcoholic family. Assume similar genetics. One child never takes a sip of alcohol. The other becomes an alcoholic like her mother. Can alcoholism be considered a disease when personal conduct and choice is the first step toward deciding to take a drink or not take a drink? The debate is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.
Whether it is a mental obsession or a physical need, alcoholism disease is very much a part of our culture today. If fact, we now regulate the behavior of individuals who have too much to drink. There are laws that prohibit individuals impaired by alcohol from driving. Most companies have policies against alcohol consumption during work hours, including business lunches. You can be arrested for public intoxication. These "rules" appear to support the theory of alcoholism as a personal conduct issue rather than disease. You decide.
Alcoholism Disease - The Debate DISEASE
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