Alcoholism a disease? I don't freaking think so.

dis·ease

/dɪˈziz/ Show Spelled [dih-zeez]  dis·eased, dis·eas·ing.

noun

1.

a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavorable environmental factors; illness; sickness; ailment.

2.

any abnormal condition in a plant that interferes with its vital physiological processes, caused by pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, unfavorable environmental, genetic, or nutritional factors, etc.

3.

any harmful, depraved, or morbid condition, as of the mind or society: His fascination with executions is a disease.

4.

decomposition of a material under special circumstances: tin disease.

 

People, let's get real for a minute. Alcoholism is NOT a disease. It's not. It. Is. Not.

Alcoholism is a choice. You WANT a drink. You can choose not to HAVE that drink. No, you can't resist it, and that makes it a disease? No, it just means that you don't have much self control.

 

Society has labeled alcoholism a disease because it makes people feel better about themselves. It makes it seem that they can't help it. That it is not really their responsibility.

 

I'm not buying that crap.

 

Cancer is a disease. Parkinson's is a disease. Alzheimer's is a disease. Shame! Shame on you for trying to place alcoholism in this category.

 

Who started this nonsense? Alcoholics Anonymous. AA is a very worthwhile group which has helped numerous people deal with their addiction to alcohol. Why would they want people to not take responsibility? I don't think that's their motivation. I think they want people to not be overwhelmed as they begin the difficult process of breaking this addiction. To heap insult onto injury is not healthy for anyone. Unfortunately, they are doing a disservice with their proclivity to make people seem like victims rather than the truth - having consequences as the result of making crappy decisions.

 

Meanwhile, don't belittle those with actual diseases by touting your own shortcomings as a disease.