The Claim of Alcoholism

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Someone with 20 years of continuous sobriety is just as likely to relapse as someone with 20 days ("Alcoholism"). To some programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, the ongoing battle of excessive drinking is defined as a battle with a disease (Kneale, and French). By defining alcoholism as a disease, it takes away the self-blame that one should feel for fueling such an addiction. When one does not hold themselves accountable for their actions, it is difficult for one to evaluate how to effectively resolve the issue at hand. A disease is more of an uncontrollable condition that needs medical attention, whereas an addiction can be resolved with a little persistence and desire for life alterations. Defining alcoholism as a disease makes it appear as though no one is at fault for their actions, since when did people stop holding themselves accountable for their own actions and behavior? Alcoholism would be more suitably defined as an addiction as opposed to claiming it as a disease because it exists due to one’s actions. A disease should be considered as an uncontrollable illness that can negatively impact one’s life for a consistent amount of time (Kneale, and French). Diseases are not wanted nor would one fuel the disease’s progression by continuously repeating the same behavior. Some particular diseases are genetically transmitted and are apparent at birth. An addiction, on the other hand, is the repetition of a particular behavior regardless of the consequences. If the behavior is stopped, then it is not uncommon for withdrawal symptoms to become evident. An addiction is something that is carried out through personal choice and is controllable based upon the actions that are being taken (Digilio). An addiction can be stopped at an... ... middle of paper ... ...ity of what they are actually experiencing and going through. There is no denying that an addiction is a serious problem to one’s psychological being as opposed to a disease where it is more on a biological basis. Due to alcoholism lacking some of the requirements that are necessary in order for it to fit into the mold of what a disease is, referring to is as an addiction is more suitable. Work Cited "Alcoholism." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1-2. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. Digilio, G.-O. "Alcoholism, The Thinking Disease." Lesbian News 39.4 (2013): 18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. Kneale, James, and Shaun French. "Mapping Alcohol: Health, Policy And The Geographies Of Problem Drinking In Britain." Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy 15.3 (2008): 233- 249. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

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