Alcoholism Disease or Choice - 1778 Words

Alcoholism: Disease or Choice? Danielle M Ellis WVNCC Abstract Webster’s New World Dictionary defines alcoholism as a chronic condition which is mainly characterized by excessive and compulsive consumption of and dependence on alcohol as well as nutritional and mental disorders. This definition depicts alcoholism as a disease that is beyond one’s control. It has however been argued in some circles that alcoholism is a choice and the idea of alcoholism as a disease is a myth. Since it is an individual choice to take alcohol, alcoholism is a consequence of free will. Both sides of the debate are discussed in this paper and it is my conclusion that there is strong evidence that suggests that alcoholism is a disease that needs treatment.†¦show more content†¦This means that there is no way one could be arrested for an illness, thus disqualifying alcoholism as a disease. The law puts in place sanctions against alcoholism in order to control behavior that is caused by the wrong choice, not because of a disease. Schaler (1991) c ontends that one should argue that alcoholics need support and education about the effects of alcoholism and how to curb the habit. It is suggested that the notion of treatment for alcoholism is misinformed. Alcoholism is a Disease The concept of alcoholism as a disease originated in the 19th century with Dr. Benjamin Rush. This doctor advanced radical ideas claiming that those who overindulged in alcohol had a disease. However he was mostly discredited because of his assertions that being black and political dissentions were also to be regarded as diseases. Before 1891 the word alcoholic had not been used to refer to a person who took alcohol uncontrollably. Drunkenness was however not acceptable in this era. Since the 19th century it has been widely accepted that alcoholism is a disease and it requires compassion and treatment just like any other disease. Room (1983) stipulates that in 1951, the World Health Organization identified alcoholism as a disease and this was also done in 1956 by the American Medical Association. Sociologists have advanced various theories on why alcoholism should be treated as a sickness. Room (1983) suggested that thereShow MoreRelatedIs Alcoholism A Disease Or A Lifestyle Choice?1933 Words   |  8 Pageswhether alcoholism is a disease or a lifestyle choice. One blogger expressed her opinion about how alcoholism is genetic and that parents, about how it is genetic that anxiety and depression is inherited from parents leading, to becoming an addict. But the blogger by the name of andrew69055 stated, â€Å"People would do well to work more on resolving anxiety and depression rather than using alcohol disease as an excuse†¦People need hope and motivation and the handed out excuse that it’s a disease is destructive†¦Read MoreIs Alcoholism a Disease?691 Words   |  3 PagesAlcoholism as a disease? Alcoholism today is not considered as a moral failure, majority of the people view it as a disease. Alcoholism is a chronic primary and progressive disease and it can also be fatal in some instances. It is termed as a chemical disease as it breaks down in the stomach as well as bringing a different effect on the brain of the alcoholic as compared to a non-alcoholic. Alcoholism can be classified as a biological disease since the chemical predisposition of alcohol consumptionRead MoreAlcoholism : Is Alcoholism A Disease?929 Words   |  4 PagesAlcoholism has raised many debates over the truth of its nature. 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In this case the term â€Å"primary† is used to indicate that it is a disease that can lead to other diseases such as CirrhosisRead MoreAlcoholism : The Misuse And Addiction1361 Words   |  6 PagesAlcoholism: The Misuse and Addiction â€Å"I know my limit†, â€Å"Just one more drink†, and â€Å"I’m not drunk† are common phrases people often associate with being an alcoholic. While is true that some alcoholics can use such phrases, that is not what makes them an alcoholic. Alcoholics or rather anyone who happens to drink a little too much, are marked as being alcoholics. But what does it really mean to be an alcoholic? Or better yet, what does it mean to suffer from Alcoholism? Over the years, a controversialRead MoreFactors, Symptoms and Treatment of Alcoholism Essay1199 Words   |  5 PagesAlcoholism is a chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. The disease is often progressive and fatal if left untreated. It is characterized by impaired control over alcohol use despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking. There are critics who disagree with calling Alcoholism a disease despite the definition on the word disease which means an involuntary disability but the fact that alcoholism is a disease is widely accepted within the medical and scientificRead MoreIs Alcoholism Really a Disease?1042 Words   |  4 PagesStudies of Aging Neurodegenerative Disease and Alcoholism†, Eberling and Jagust suggest that for the past 200 years, people have classified alcoholism as a disease, but recently a large portion of the medical community has started to disagree with this diagnosis. Despite common misconception, Alcohol Anonymous was not the originator of the classification of Alcoholism as a disease. Dr. Benjamin Rush created the concept in 1784, and alcoholism has been considered as a disease since then (Eberling and Jagust