The Claim of Alcoholism

1029 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Outline on alcoholism

Someone with 20 years of continuous sobriety is just as likely to relapse as someone with 20 days ("Alcoholism"). To some programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, the ongoing battle of excessive drinking is defined as a battle with a disease (Kneale, and French). By defining alcoholism as a disease, it takes away the self-blame that one should feel for fueling such an addiction. When one does not hold themselves accountable for their actions, it is difficult for one to evaluate how to effectively resolve the issue at hand. A disease is more of an uncontrollable condition that needs medical attention, whereas an addiction can be resolved with a little persistence and desire for life alterations. Defining alcoholism as a disease makes it appear as though no one is at fault for their actions, since when did people stop holding themselves accountable for their own actions and behavior? Alcoholism would be more suitably defined as an addiction as opposed to claiming it as a disease because it exists due to one’s actions.
A disease should be considered as an uncontrollable illness that can negatively impact one’s life for a consistent amount of time (Kneale, and French). Diseases are not wanted nor would one fuel the disease’s progression by continuously repeating the same behavior. Some particular diseases are genetically transmitted and are apparent at birth. An addiction, on the other hand, is the repetition of a particular behavior regardless of the consequences. If the behavior is stopped, then it is not uncommon for withdrawal symptoms to become evident. An addiction is something that is carried out through personal choice and is controllable based upon the actions that are being taken (Digilio). An addiction can be stopped at an...

... middle of paper ...

...ity of what they are actually experiencing and going through. There is no denying that an addiction is a serious problem to one’s psychological being as opposed to a disease where it is more on a biological basis. Due to alcoholism lacking some of the requirements that are necessary in order for it to fit into the mold of what a disease is, referring to is as an addiction is more suitable.

Work Cited
"Alcoholism." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1-2. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Digilio, G.-O. "Alcoholism, The Thinking Disease." Lesbian News 39.4 (2013): 18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Kneale, James, and Shaun French. "Mapping Alcohol: Health, Policy And The Geographies Of Problem Drinking In Britain." Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy 15.3 (2008): 233- 249. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

Show More
Related

  • Book Review Of Gerald May's Addiction And Grace

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are many different definitions in which people provide regarding addiction. May (1988) describes that addiction “is a state of compulsion, obsession, or preoccupation that enslaves a person’s will and desire” (p. 14). Individuals who suffer from addiction provide their time and energy toward other things that are not healthy and safe. The book

    Read More

  • Neil Levy's Article: Addiction Is A Brain Disease?

    1019 Words  | 3 Pages

    According to Leshner, drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that is expressed in the form of compulsive behaviors (Leshner, 2001). He believes that drug addiction is influence by both biological, and behavioral factors, and to solve this addiction problem we need to focus on these same factors. On the other hand, Neil Levy argues that addiction is not a brain disease rather it is a behavioral disorder embedded in social context (Levy, 2013). I believe, drug addiction is a recurring brain disease that can be healed when we alter and eliminate all the factors that are reinforcing drug addiction.

    Read More

  • Alcoholism: Recovery Experiences Between Men And Women

    2428 Words  | 5 Pages

    Alcoholics are people with a disease that can be defined in medical terms and requires a proper regime of treatment. Alcoholics are addicted to alcohol. Alcoholic addicts are unable spontaneously give up drinking. Though they may go without a drink for a few days, or sometimes even longer periods, inevitably they revert. The greater the need to stop drinking, the more difficult they find it to do so.

    Read More

  • General Theory of Alcoholism

    1296 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are many theories of alcoholism, and some approaches explain and treat certain alcoholics better than others. One of the common themes throughout the readings is that addicts display a range of personal and situational problems. There is no "typical" addicted personality or emotional problem (Allen, 1996). Because of these facts, it comes as no surprise that there are also no typical assessment or treatment for these individuals. For instance, a medical/disease model of alcoholism may be more useful to some alcoholics than others. The point is that instead of rigidly applying one model, a counselor's goal is to use the models that are most effective to the particular alcoholic in question.

    Read More

  • Should Alcoholism Be Considered a Disease?

    1276 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...f Alcoholics Anonymous describes alcoholism as a “cunning, baffling, and powerful “ disease (Alcoholics Anonymous 2001). So when it is said by opponents of the disease concept that alcoholism is a condition of moral weakness or a behavioral condition, I am reminded of people I have met or personally known who have the disease of alcoholism. Most of them were good ,hard working people whom one would never suspect of being alcoholics. But over time alcohol took its toll on their bodies and minds, and, before long they were only shells of their former selves. Many of these alcoholics ended up in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, not because they were “bad people” or had “behavioral problems” , but simply because they had a disease called “alcoholism”. Because of what chronic drinking does to the mind and body, alcoholism should definitely be considered a disease.

    Read More

  • Addiction: A Desease Or A Choice?

    675 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to a Website entitled “Saint Jude Retreat House,” alcoholism and drug addiction are not diseases because those types of behaviors can be avoided and there is help available to change these behaviors. Although it has been found true that drug and alcohol dependency can be passed down through hereditary there is no concrete evidence I have found that proves that this is a disease. In a book entitled Treating Substance Abuse, Theory and Technique 2nd edition, says “This first and probably least controversial of the disease models can be termed the “medical consequences model.”

    Read More

  • Drug Addiction: A Brain Disease?

    746 Words  | 2 Pages

    George F. Koob defines addiction as a compulsion to take a drug without control over the intake and a chronic relapse disorder (1). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association defined "substance dependence" as a syndrome basically equivalent to addiction, and the diagnostic criteria used to describe the symptoms of substance dependence to a large extent define compulsion and loss of control of drug intake (1). Considering drug addiction as a disorder implies that there are some biological factors as well as social factors.

    Read More

  • Is Addiction A Disease Or A Choice Essay

    1474 Words  | 3 Pages

    A disease is what happens in the body as a result of those choices. As has been noted, many people do believe addiction is a sign of weakness. While the first time may be by choice, once the brain has been changed and affected by addiction. Over time the addict loses substantial control over his or her initially voluntary behavior, and it becomes compulsive (Leshner.) In Marc Branch’s “Drug Addiction. Is It a Disease or Is It Based on Choice? A Review of Gene Heyman’s Addiction: A Disorder of Choice” he discusses and explains Gene Heyman’s opinions on rather addiction is a disease or not. Heyman argues that people do not choose to be drug addicts, rather they make choices that lead to their habit of addiction. Heyman however does not believe addiction is an actual disease. Many others argue that addiction is not an actual disease because people can overcome the addiction without help or treatment. On the other hand, in Alan Leshner’s “Addiction Is a Brain Disease” he declares that addiction is an actual disease and explains “using drugs repeatedly over time changes brain structure and function in fundamental and long-lasting ways that can persist long after the individual stops using them”

    Read More

  • Alcohol Abuse: Alcoholism as a Disease

    2169 Words  | 5 Pages

    ... the alcoholic of responsibility for their problem. Labeling an alcohol problem as a disease is perhaps as stigmatising as the problem itself and could have the effect of dissuading many problem drinkers from seeking help. It focuses mainly on those whose drinking has become excessive and is thus restrictive. The Classical Disease Model may appear convenient for alcoholics who want to deny they have a problem, yet it is likely to do more harm to the individual and the community than good, therefore it is clear to see why, in the 21st Century, the Classical Disease Model is viewed as entirely inadequate.

    Read More

  • Alcoholism is a Disease

    675 Words  | 2 Pages

    Alcoholism has been a problem throughout the history of humanity, a disease which has caused many people to be overcome with burdens, problems, and debts. Alcoholism is a term that is widely recognized throughout the United States and the World. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, progressive and often fatal; it is a disorder and not due to other diseases or emotional problems.

    Read More

  • The Dangers of Alcohol and Alcoholism

    3315 Words  | 7 Pages

    Alcoholism is defined as a destructive addiction to alcohol while alcohol abuse is defined as a destructive abuse of alcohol. Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse but there are many different factors that contribute to a person becoming an alcoholic. Alcoholism is genetic but usually influenced by someone’s environment growing up and their present environment. Having a abusive childhood or a hard life in general can trigger feelings that turn into a need to drink. An alcoholic can not control his/her intake of alcohol because he/she does not have control over it. There are many signs and symptoms to determine if someone is in fact an al...

    Read More

  • Informative Speech Outline On Addiction

    1008 Words  | 3 Pages

    Main Point: What defines an addiction? According to Psychology Today, “Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance…. or engages in an activity….that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health.” This can range anywhere from drug use to eating disorders, to gambling, to even texting in today’s generation. Shocking to say the least, especially when most people do not even know they are addicted or are an addict until they realize this definition.

    Read More

  • How Drugs Affect The Brain Essay

    474 Words  | 1 Pages

    I feel as though referring to addiction as a disease isn’t correct because it is a choice to use a drug that you know will cause you to get addicted. The reason I feel like people refer to addiction as a disease is purely for marketing reasons and to sell the idea of addiction, which can also be a positive thing because it makes people feel as though there is more help out there than they realized and that their “disease” can be cured.

    Read More

  • Essay On The Effects Of Alcoholism

    595 Words  | 2 Pages

    Alcoholism is a disease that describes an array of problems with alcohol. This disease is highly addictive and has many negative effects on the body. Alcohol affects almost every aspect of the body, including many vital organs, and deteriorates the health of long- term alcohol users.

    Read More

  • Teenage Alcoholism

    1756 Words  | 4 Pages

    ? (Dolmetsch, p.4) The definition of alcoholism stresses the basic elements of (1) chronicity; (2) compulsive, uncontrollable drinking; (3) intoxication; and (4) interruption of normal life functions. (Claypool, p. 91) When the drinker?s work, social life, study habits, mental health, or family and personal relationships are affected, the possibility exists that the drinker may be an alcoholic. If the drinker is able to stop drinking permanently, then he is not considered to be an alcoholic. ?For teenagers and adults, alcohol is the most commonly abused drug. It is easy to get, easy to use, and as common in our society as aspirin.? (Claypool, p.

    Read More

More about The Claim of Alcoholism

Open Document