As described by the AMA, is the disease concept of addiction to the drug alcohol "human friendly?"?

Question

Having been addicted to the drug alcohol, I have listened to my conscience speak (ID or addictive voice). It seems to enjoy hearing the "disease concept" and powerlessness of addiction as described in Alcoholics Anonymous. Through a deep thought process of examination of why this clever "addictive voice" listens for signs of weakness of self, I have discovered that it is seeking permission to use drugs; the disease concept of addiction is considered by my addictive voice to be a fault of my self and attempts to over-ride logic that is found in another part of my brain. Since I do not wish to engage in drug using behaviour, I use self-discipline to arrest this addictive voice, and often satisfy its demands with a more healthy behaviour like exercise of good food.
Alcoholics Anonymous tells its members that the use of self-discipline (aka self-will) is not to be used. and is dangerous. These AAers tell people that they are "powerless"! Is addiction a disease? or $$

Is AA a cult?

Answer 1

Whatever it is, it helps people get off and stay off alcohol...;

Answer 2

I think your question is a bit confusing, but here's my 2 cents anyway. The disease concept isn't just about being powerless. The disease concept states that addiction meets certain criteria:
1. It has symptoms
2. It is progressive
3. It is chronic
4. It is treatable (tho not generally recognized as curable)

There is also the fact that addiction is often fatal. Relapsing can lead to death, due to quantity, patterns of use, etc.

AA/NA tells people who attend their meetings that they are not in control of the substance, the substance is in control of them. I would assume that you know what that means, but for anyone who doesn't, it means that an addict can't "take just one." An alcoholic can't just take one drink, and an alcoholic may react to stress by picking up the alcohol as a means of coping instead of using healthy coping skills.

The support of the group is in place to help people reach out and use the network instead of the substance. But, it is not going to work for every single person. It would be unreasonable to assume that every addict HAS to go to AA/NA.

It sounds like you have identified other healthy ways to cope (exercise, good food, etc). As long as you remain sober, and in control of you, then that's what matters. Others need the support of AA/NA in order to maintain.

Answer 3

I didn't know the American Modeling Association was into alcohol addiction.