Alcoholics Anonymous and the American Medical Association claim that substance abuse or alcohol dependence is a disease. In DSM-IV, "disease" is not mentioned when diagnosing patients with alcohol issues as described in diagnostic criteria.
AA cult members compare their created and appropriately cult modified definition "Alcoholic" to other diseases like diabetes and cancer.
If the problem of substance abuse and dependence is a disease, why does a person that is stopped driving drunk by the police taken to a jail instead of to a hospital. The person arrested informed the police that he was diseased and powerless yet he was still taken to jail.
Is AA's and AMA's definition of a drunk to a disease valid or is this "disease" diagnoses simply given to capitalize monetarily on a human malady? (Institution AA is VERY expensive!)
A wise man once said, "what sets us apart from other lower forms of animals is our ability to change and adapt to our enviornment".
Clancy
2006-08-22 11:47:07 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I really wish they wouldn't call it a disease, because the basis for it being a disease is the inability to stop the chronic behavior. Like overeating, overdoing sexual activities, doing anything you know is not good for you but not being able to stop doing it. Then cigarette smoking should be considered a disease also. These TYPES of diseases require a deep desire to change combined with something that helps you change - so they call it a disease, but alchol is one of the easier ones to stop doing, certainly MUCH easier than not smoking. I believe it's a choice, but only because I was there once and quit using two words "firm determination".
2006-08-22 12:00:16 · answer #1 · answered by arvecar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholism is recognized as a disease and treated as such and some are brought to the hospital.They also broke a law while drinking and driving so they have to deal with both issues.They can't make a person stay in the hospital but they can keep the person in jail overnight to sober up and go to court. AA is not affiliated with any other organization.It is self supporting by it's members. AA also works the best for the most who want and need help to stay sober. I don't believe in anything that has to do with a cult but AA saved my life and some of my family members.I thank God there is a 12 step program to attend.
2006-08-22 19:08:54 · answer #2 · answered by Linda R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends of the definition of "disease". Some scientists call it a disease because it changes the way the brain manufactures and utilizes brain chemicals in a replicating fashion. Like heart disease, it is not caused by germs or viruses.
By the usual usage of the word, no, it is not a disease.
It was called a "malady" by Bill Wilson originally in order to take away some of the stigma associated with alcoholism. It later evolved in a disease, a SPIRITUAL DISEASE, requiring one to get right with God in order to be spiritually healed, day after day, because even God cannot cure alcoholism, only grant a daily reprieve.
(Really, I couldn't make this stuff up!)
2006-08-23 02:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by raysny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it is a disease in the sense that once certain people start they can't stop. This is genetic. Some can stop easily and for some it is impossible. But, it is different than other diseases in the sense that the person had a choice whether to start the drug(in most cases) or not. People with diabetes and cancer don't have this choice. They didn't take a pill with the words cancer of diabetes written on it.
2006-08-22 19:03:23 · answer #4 · answered by nolongeravailableatY!Answers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love AAs little sayings. But never fit in, cause I didn't like the first
step. Admitting we are powerless over it. I feel that is destructive.
We are made of body, mind, and spirit. If one is out of whack,
all three are out of whack.
To me, the bottom line is that people use to get the BUZZ. That's
where therapy screws up. They make it more complicated than it
is. Making us think we get high because we have some bad attitude, or serious mental problem. BULLFROG! All that comes
after the fact. After we get happy. Blow the rent money. Get
sick and can't work. Then hang on others, and blah, blah, blah.
It is in one respect a habit. And to get over it, we have to get in the habit of doing something else.
There are all kinds of community and cultural events where
you can meet decent people. So get busy.
2006-08-22 19:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expensive? I have a whole family full of drunks, and have been going to AA meetings with them for years and no one has ever asked any of us for money....where are you getting this info? Just curious, doesn't fit with my experience.
It is a disease, a chemical imbalance in the brain. Brain chemical imbalances are serious and definitely not made up.
2006-08-22 18:55:35 · answer #6 · answered by cutiekewterson 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
AA in institutions is paid for by a collection taken up with in AA. AA accepts no money for anything from anyone. Why do you call it a cult? I wont even speak to the rest of your qustion, you are really misinformed.
2006-08-22 18:51:38 · answer #7 · answered by soulsearcher 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think first it's a behavior, because we are owners of our own actions, BUT while you keep doing it, THEN it becomes a disease because you can't stop it by your own... and you go to jail because it's a disease that you can control if you get help...
2006-08-22 19:09:10 · answer #8 · answered by Bella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A disease is alive, a behavior is something someone can do without viral or bacterial contamination, so take a guess
2006-08-22 19:15:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholism is a disease. But it's the only disease you can get yelled at for having.
"God damnit Auto, you're an Alcoholic!"
"God damnit Auto, you have lupus!"
One of these two statements just doesn't sound right.
2006-08-22 18:51:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋