Is alcoholism really a disease???? here is some insight

[KateH1]

This debate does go on and on. No, I do not think alcoholism can be compared to diabetis, not type one or two. Diabetis is a malfunction of the pancreas (an organ). It can be controlled but never cured by diet, exercise and or meds. There is no choice in diabetis.

I definitely believe that there is a mental health component in drinking. I also believe that trauma, especially early childhood trauma plays a role.

I can say this, I get really annoyed when I hear some people whine that this is a "disease" and use this as an excuse to continue destroying not only their own lives, but the lives of others in the process.

Don't get me wrong, I have great compassion and empathy for those that struggle with alcoholism, but at the same time, it is what it is and it is greatly up to us, whether or not we become non-drinkers.

[trixietrack]

exposing one self to toxins long term can cause illness.

[anne1232]

a really great new book out about this topic is a memoir by a father who struggles to help his son. Lots of good research on this topic in it, and a GREAT read for any addict or friend/family member trying to understand us.
"Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff

[beatle]

Thanks for that article, Trixie, and thanks all for some great comments here.

Personally, I found the article's take on AA right to the point and so true. It's so sad that something purportedly meant to help people-- desperate and suffering people-- actually does more harm than good (the exceptions are people like Cindi, who doesn't really follow an AA programme, but gets support and comraderie out of the social contact with others who share her problem).

However, I was provoked by the emphasis this article puts on the choice the alcoholic has, as if the alcoholic is always in control and behaves consciously and purposefully in a way to make themselves addicted-- c'mon! Nobody chooses to be addicted to something!

On the other hand, I do believe we have a choice about recognizing our problem and taking action to control it. In fact, we have a responsibility to do that. And that is what all the good people here on this site are doing, with varying degrees of success. I believe that anyone who does not give up trying will overcome alcohol dependence, whether you call it a "disease" or a "social problem".

Just as an aside, some people can drink huge amounts without becoming addicted, while others become addicted in a short time. There is obviously a genetic link (despite this article trying to refute it, there is a considerable amount of scientific evidence for a genetic link, the most compelling of which is studies done on twins who were separated from their parents and their twins at birth) that at least makes people more vulnerable. Of course this doesn't mean they are pre-destined to become alcoholics, it just means their physiology is such that if exposed to the same circumstances as someone without the genetic propensity, they are more likely to develop alcohol problems.

No matter how you look at it, disease or not, I think we all agree that we do have a choice about trying to overcome alcoholic addiction, and that we must do so.

Anyway, thanks Trixie. And thanks, Anne, for the book recommendation.

[louise]

Thanks for link Trixie. Lots of useful info here.

[trixietrack]

However, I was provoked by the emphasis this article puts on the choice the alcoholic has, as if the alcoholic is always in control and behaves consciously and purposefully in a way to make themselves addicted-- c'mon! Nobody chooses to be addicted to something!

the above is right, I think the choosing to become addicted part is more subconscious than conscious and it should be stated as such.

No matter how you look at it, disease or not, I think we all agree that we do have a choice about trying to overcome alcoholic addiction, and that we must do so.

[nancy]

Hi again

Trixie,

Thanks for bringing the site AA and 12-Step Alternative Addiction Information to our attention. I read some of the articles and found them thought-provoking.

There was a link to a very interesting article by a woman who has had mental illness (depression) and was self-medicating with various things before going on anti-depressants. I guess the anti-depressants gave her what she had been getting with more damaging substances. Her article was really thoughtful and open about the debate in treating depression with pharmaceuticals and the relationship between addiction and depression.

Another thing I read somewhere on the site was an argument that brain studies show
that alcoholics change their brain chemistry in such a way through over-drinking that they physically can no longer control drinking. And this apparently can be proven in studies.

Anyone care to comment on that?

And regarding choice, aside from this aspect of brain studies, choice is definitely involved. I think unfortunately, people don't make good choices for themselves when self-esteem is very low. Certainly, if you feel overwhelmed by mental issues, it doesn't seem like choice is there. But I think programs, including AA and of course MWO, make people aware that there is some choosing involved. That's a good thing.

[Destined for Joy]

I have to comment on Diabetes...Type 1 is an auto immune disease where the immune system is attacking the beta cells of the pancreas where insulin is made...no cure. Type 2, which previously was called Adult Onset is no longer seen in just adults, but children in an alarming rate of increase. This is a lifestyle dis-ease. The pancreas may be exhausted and no longer producing enough insulin, but, more often than not, the fat cells are so saturated they can no longer accept insulin....that is Insulin Resistance. Too many carbs is more the culprit because some of the carbs that are not burned at consumption are stored in the muscles and liver as Glycogen....for reserve. The rest is converted into Triglycerides (fat in the blood) and stored in the cells...that's how they become saturated and unable to function properly. This is a very over simplified explanation....beer....lots of carbs, is very high glycemic and can accerlate the risk of developing Diabetes. The Book Death To Diabetes by DeWayne McCaully will refute, with little room for argument, that Diabetes can be, not only reversed, but cured...he is living proof. The choice we make of what to put into our bodies is the difference between life and death. And the craziness of this issue for me is that as a Wellness Coach who can counsel folks about helath and wellness and as a woman of Faith who prays for healing and wholeness for others, I am, at times, unable to do the same for myself. BUT...I am bound and determined...I am Destined for Joy and to shake off the old demons that haunt me! We all have to keep going

[Cinders]

Destined,

Thank you. The example of Type 2 Diabetes I was trying to establish was totally lost by the "it doesn't come in a bottle" comnment. However, it does come in paper bags of drive throughs, junk food and a sedentary lifestyle.

Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled by exercise and food choices, just like alcoholism can be controlled by choosing to drink or not drink.

Is Type 2 Diabetes a disease or a social condition?

Does it matter? I am not sure. What matters are the choices we make AND we are responsible for them.

Love,
Cindi

[WildAtHeart]

Quote from the article:

"Chemical processes do not make a person an alcoholic. The person makes the conscience choice. Altered processing of alcohol in no way determines choice or behaviors. Obsessive drinking is not a reaction to bodily processes, but merely a choice. The amount consumed is determined by the individual not by the body."

I find this paragraph to be completely untrue. Given that I have spent 15 days using supplementation to reduce my alcohol craving ... I don't even know how anyone here could agree 100% with the above statement. (This isn't meant as a criticism of anyone) If it were determined only by individual choice then no one would require topa or supplements to quit drinking or move into moderation. To me, there absolutely IS a chemical component -- and I would be truly suprised if anyone here who is following the MWO program would believe otherwise. I think the studies with Topa and other alcohol reduction craving supps. certainly support the idea that some people's brains are chemically engineered to find alcohol a struggle.