Alcoholism: disease or choice?

palemoon · May 12, 2010

A disease or medical condition is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions, associated with specific symptoms and signs.[1][2][3] It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases.

In humans, "disease" is often used more broadly to refer to any condition that causes pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems, and/or death to the person afflicted, or similar problems for those in contact with the person.

Perhaps "disease" is simply too broad of a term. I think it's more of a negative coping skill that can take on a disease-like look if it becomes severe enough.

One poster made a good point: With other mental illnesses, you can't simply stop the behavior, as is necessary with drugs and alcohol. You must learn to control and manage the symptoms of the illness so that you can live a normal life.

Seeing addiction as a negative coping skill gives addicts more encouragement, I think. If it's not a disease, then they won't be sick forever; they can learn new coping skills.

rn/writer, RN · May 12, 2010

There are people whose body chemistry really and truly disposes them to alcohol dependence. It is not just a negative coping skill or a psychological leaning or a bad habit that morphs into messed-up life. It's a physiological entrapment that doesn't give the person a choice about whether they want the craving or not.

That said, I prefer the term "condition." It's part of their make-up, a fact of life like having brown eyes or genetically bad cholesterol or a tin ear. You don't get a choice about having it. You just have it.

Biological alcoholism--no choice.

Management of biological alcoholism--lots of choices that you get to make over and over again every day.

Leelee2 · Jun 3, 2010

Both a disease, and a choice.

My father's parents, and every sibling was alcoholic. My dad was the only one that was not. Though, he recognized that when he would drink he would be out of control, so he just doesn't drink (other than on very special holidays). He made a choice, and had a lot of support from his wife, and in-laws. The rest of his family lacked that support.

nursegirl123 · Sep 2, 2010

I think it is different for each individual...I definitely believe that some people inherit the gene, and live their childhood in same environment, predisposing them to becoming an addict. I believe that the "first" drink/drug for one person, may be a completely different experience and effect, on another person. On the other hand, I also believe that humans are very intelligent, resourceful and adaptable, and if you want something bad enough...then through hard work, you will ultimately achieve that goal. That's the hard part, deciding if putting down the alcohol/drug is what YOU REALLY want. When you are in addiction, you have your good angel on one shoulder and the bad demon on the other...it becomes a very hard choice once you are in deep. Very sad for all involved with addiction...its a terrible DISEASE!

funnypharm · Sep 3, 2010

Addiction is a human condition and some are susceptible and some are not. Every addict has a choice drug and wither it is legal or illegal does not matter.

Yes, it is a choice just like being skinny is a choice... but how many of you can fit into size four jeans?

jackstem · Dec 24, 2010

An excellent video by Dr. Kevin McCauley regarding the Disease of addiction (which includes alcohol).

http://vimeo.com/6688849

Jack

samirish · Apr 1, 2011

let me duck for cover before i add my that alcoholism is a choice.
i chose to drink because i liked the numbness, i quit and learned to deal with my life. no one ever made me drink, and no one else could have "made" me stop.
i know all about genetic links, metabolism difference, etc....and think they exist. you can also have a genetic tendency to diabetes and rotten eating habits, but make a choice to eat right, exercise, and never have type ii diabetes. diabetes, however, remains a disease, albeit an avoidable one for type ii. drinking, shooting, smoking or snorting whatever is a choice.
ok..beat me up, but i know what i have seen and experienced.:redbeathe:heartbeat:redbeathe

i could not have said it better myself. great post and i agree wholeheartedly. i do have personal experience and i believe it is a choice.

shrinkyrn · May 11, 2011

It's a disease....Check out Dr. Ohlms and definition of Disease. Read Healing the Addicted Brain by Harold C. Urschel, III, MD. Read the first 164 pages of the AA Big Book, go to healthybodyhealthymind.com and look for Hope for the Alcoholic:Scientific Breakthroughs (episode 1702)...my :twocents:

jackstem · May 11, 2011

It's a disease....Check out Dr. Ohlms and definition of Disease. Read Healing the Addicted Brain by Harold C. Urschel, III, MD. Read the first 164 pages of the AA Big Book, go to healthybodyhealthymind.com and look for Hope for the Alcoholic:Scientific Breakthroughs (episode 1702)...my

Some folks aren't going to change their mind no matter how much information or science you provide.

shrinkyrn · May 11, 2011

@ jackstem.....that may well be true....but, I needed to provide some reference information. My clients all learn that it is important to understand H.O.W. it works....Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness......Maybe some posters will accept the Open-mindedness and Willingness to try to understand the disease process....wanted to provide the opportunity for growth.

jackstem · May 12, 2011

@ jackstem.....that may well be true....but, I needed to provide some reference information. My clients all learn that it is important to understand H.O.W. it works....Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness......Maybe some posters will accept the Open-mindedness and Willingness to try to understand the disease process....wanted to provide the opportunity for growth.

I completely agree...just didn't want you to get frustrated with some of the responses you'll receive. Been doing the same thing for awhile now and will continue to do so. We'll get there one day if we keep plugging (one day at a time).

D.J. Hanson · Jun 13, 2011

The debate over whether alcoholism is a disease or simply a serious behavioral problem has continued for over 200 years and doesn't appear likely to end anytime soon.

The disease theory of alcoholism is just that... an unproven theory and it’s not sowidely accepted in the medical community and many think.

When a nation-wide sample of physicians in the U.S. was asked if they personally believe that alcoholism is mainly a disease or mainly a personal or moral weakness, 15% believed that it was the latter. Only 12% of physicians believed that alcoholism is 100% a disease.

It is significant that a survey of doctors attending an annual conference of the International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA) found that 80% believed that alcoholism is simply bad behavior - - not a disease.