Comments on: Is alcoholism/drug addiction a disease?

By: James-Dodge Boy

James-Dodge Boy — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:21:41 +0000

It is a choice. Choose to do it long enough it is possible it may turn into a disease.

By: Oldschoolgoblue

Oldschoolgoblue — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 01:14:22 +0000

I believe this issue becomes more complicated than it has to be because people define whether an addiction is positive, negative or simply acceptable based on what the drug of choice happens to be. Addiction is addiction, and differentiating is a flawed way to look at it. I bet a lot of people know a family where a parent is addicted to alcohol or drugs and the child completely avoids them, only to become a workaholic. Either one can destroy a family. The mental and emotional predisposition to addiction ( you’ve heard the term addictive personality) is an honest disorder. As someone who is a recovering addict, even I have a hard time actually putting my finger on exactly what that disorder is. In that way, its a lot like autism- doctors have no idea what autism actually is, they just know what it does to the perception process of an individual who has it. But, so many addicts share so many character and personality traits that I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Essentially there is an overriding fear and the need to escape- or to insulated youself from the world. Whether that need leads you to the comfort of your office 85 hrs per week, or to a serious drug habit, or anything in between, its not a healthy mindset.

Having said all of this, the toughest part of defining this as a disease, is that its a disease of choice. The only truly medical disease part of the condition comes after a long series of choices that lead you to your drug again and again and again. I am an addict (recovering) and I have worked very hard to remain in the better place I’m at now. For me, there is no doubt that all of the damage that I did to myself and my family, all the years I lost and the friends I lost came from decisions that I made. The problem with looking at this as a problem to be solved on the National level is that it can’t be done. It can only truly be avoided or beaten on a personal level.

By: Loren S

Loren S — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:02:41 +0000

the only difference between drunks and alcoholics is drunks don’t have to attend meetings.

By: Allymac

Allymac — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:25:20 +0000

The propensity for the condition is inherited, at least in alcoholism. That makes it if not a disease a threat to health. I have seen it first hand in my family. My dad was a recovering alcoholic. He got mean when he drank. One brother has this reaction as well as does his son. For the rest of us it is not a problem. Without treatment and or intervention this condition causes a great deal of pain and suffering for all involved.

PS How could anyone Tdown Sally? You rock lady!

By: Kaktis

Kaktis — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 11:03:32 +0000

Yes it is considered a disease. And it is treatable, if the patient wants to be cured.

By: Patricia M

Patricia M — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:58:44 +0000

They say it’s a disease.

By: Ginger H

Ginger H — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:42:44 +0000

It’s a choice.

By: old fart

old fart — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:21:51 +0000

No I think they are choices weak minded people make. They them want to blame it on others.

By: Miz D

Miz D — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:29:24 +0000

Your questions were interesting but they did not cause me to reevaluate my position. My father was an alcoholic, my brothers are alcoholics, my nephew is an alcoholic and I’m sure there were many of my ancestors who participated in the family tradition. I have a nephew who has served time in prison because of drugs use. I have a niece who is addicted to legal pain medicine she gets from several different doctors. I am not a medical professional but I am dang sure an expert on alcoholism and related to druggies. People choose to drink or not to drink alcohol. People choose to use drugs or not use them. Neither one is a disease. People use these crutches because they can’t face the harsh realities of life. They don’t get any sympathy from me.

Prohibition was tried in the USA and it didn’t work. Illegal drug users are pursued by the law but they don’t quit unless they are in jail. Nothing stops it. The counseling sessions, AA and NA only help those who are ready to quit. Wish I had the answer. I am a faithful contributor to MADD (mothers against drunk driving) and raised my own children to be sober law-abiding adults. If I come up with some better “answers” I will get back to you.

EDIT: I must be related to Carrie Nation on my mother’s side of the family? LOL I am not totally heartless. My husband and I took my brother into our home when he hit rock bottom from his alcoholism. He came to us half crazy and stinking of stale sweat, booze and cigarettes. He stayed more than a year and changed enough to survive and have a productive life. He calls it his stay in “The Family Rehab Unit” and gives us credit for showing him there is another way to live. We love him dearly and he knows it.

By: Daisymae

Daisymae — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:50:32 +0000

I believe it is an addiction. The disease part happens because alcohol kills the cells, parts of the body craves it, so I just believe it is an addiction. The cells would be healthy and fine if you did not drink the alcohol. My opinion.

known a few alcoholics with emotional problems who took to drink to cover low self-esteem