2006-09-20 02:13:42 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Conventional wisdom states that it is a "disease", but in truth it is typically merely a symptom of deeper troubles. Drinking is an instant gratification device or a crutch that allows a person to escape from issues that trouble them. In many cases psychotherapy is very effective in determining the root cause of an alcoholics behavior, and in circumstances where they know they have a problem, can effectively treat the problem.
2006-09-20 02:21:46 · answer #1 · answered by Pundit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Drinking alcohol, as the AA puts it, is a choice. If doing something by choice is a disease, then smoking and taking illegal substances is a disease also. If that was a disease, I believe it would be reconized legally. So, in turn, it would be a defense. Everyone who drank or took illegal substances would immediately be shot back onto the streets. I don't believe that is a good idea. But, no, I do not believe that, from a medical standpoint, alcoholism is either. I believe it is an addiction. You could skew it a little to say it could be a behavioural disorder, but I highly doubt it.
2006-09-20 02:32:34 · answer #2 · answered by davy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's behavioural disorder, because alcohol is a drug that certain people turn to for comfort etc. I think everyone is capable of being an alcoholic and I think if a person thinks they might become an alcoholic they should avoid drink. My reason for this is I have a relatively stressful life, both my children are autistic, and I know if I was to fall into a pattern of a glas of wine in the evening, soon it would become half a bottle, then a bottle, then earlier and earlier. I have watched his happen with friends, and so I avoid alcohol to make sure I don't fall into this trap. It's not that I never drink, it's just rare that I do, maybe Christmas and family occasions, a couple of glasses of wine.
That said, once a person is an alcoholic, I think it's one of the hardest things to kick.
2006-09-20 02:20:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
See the link
2006-09-20 06:57:08 · answer #4 · answered by Mike H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother was an alcoholic, and because of that, I studied alcoholism in depth. Basically what I've learned is that if it runs in your family, you probably are more likely than others to become an alcoholic because of genetics and behaviors learned from the family. But, that doesn't mean you have no control over what you become. It means you have to be more aware and careful than others. Calling it a disease is an excuse to allow the alcoholic to be a victim which it was caused them to drink in the first place. Because it CAN be controlled, it is a behavorial disorder.
2006-09-20 02:22:55 · answer #5 · answered by Angel Baby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a disease, following on from what starts as a behavioural disorder
2006-09-20 02:23:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a bit of both.Personally,I can not drink at all(been clean and sober for 5 1/2 years).I can not stop once I start.Most people's brains tell them that alcohol is a poison,but w/ an addict the brain sends signals that the person should drink more once they start.It took me arrests,jail and the lose of everything before I quit,but not all addicts are this lucky.
2006-09-20 02:58:59 · answer #7 · answered by james j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that alcoholism is both a disease and a behavioural disorder. i think if one is already pre-disposed to alcoholism due to genetics, it raises their chances of acquiring an addiction to alcohol.
2006-09-20 02:31:13 · answer #8 · answered by luvmuzik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was a disease we'd all be in a lot of trouble. You wouldn't be able to stand next to an alcoholic without "catching" alcoholism.
2006-09-20 02:21:53 · answer #9 · answered by Stookie2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is a disease that causes behavioural disoders because the alcohol kills the liver kinddeys and a small part of commen sence
2006-09-20 02:26:53 · answer #10 · answered by Speedy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋