Alcoholism: Disease or Choice?
Alcoholism: Disease or Choice?
Danielle M Ellis
WVNCC
Abstract
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines alcoholism as a chronic condition which is mainly characterized by excessive and compulsive consumption of and dependence on alcohol as well as nutritional and mental disorders. This definition depicts alcoholism as a disease that is beyond one’s control. It has however been argued in some circles that alcoholism is a choice and the idea of alcoholism as a disease is a myth. Since it is an individual choice to take alcohol, alcoholism is a consequence of free will. Both sides of the debate are discussed in this paper and it is my conclusion that there is strong evidence that suggests that alcoholism is a disease that needs treatment.
Alcoholism is a choice
Fingarette (1988) discredits the notion that alcoholism is a disease. He explains that alcoholism begins with a choice to drink alcohol which subsequently leads to uncontrollable consumption. In his book, the author explains that heavy drinking or alcoholism is a lifestyle. Advertisements on the media depict alcoholism as an attractive way of life, meaning those who choose to indulge in alcohol are simply making a choice. Alcoholism is defined as a disease in order to excuse some errant behaviors. It is contended that alcoholics can indeed control their consumption of alcohol. The author emphasizes that in most alcoholism treatment facilities, it is a requirement for one to stay sober for a while before being admitted. According to him this means that an alcoholic is able to control his or her drinking. Fingarette (1988) also argues that there are many symptoms of alcoholism to qualify it as a disease on its own.
Some have also argued that relapse of recovering alcoholics illustrates that alcoholism is a choice. This is because some of the alcoholics who undergo rehabilitation choose to go back to their drinking habits. This has been compared in the same way that some people choose to take heroin or
Danielle M Ellis
WVNCC
Abstract
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines alcoholism as a chronic condition which is mainly characterized by excessive and compulsive consumption of and dependence on alcohol as well as nutritional and mental disorders. This definition depicts alcoholism as a disease that is beyond one’s control. It has however been argued in some circles that alcoholism is a choice and the idea of alcoholism as a disease is a myth. Since it is an individual choice to take alcohol, alcoholism is a consequence of free will. Both sides of the debate are discussed in this paper and it is my conclusion that there is strong evidence that suggests that alcoholism is a disease that needs treatment.
Alcoholism is a choice
Fingarette (1988) discredits the notion that alcoholism is a disease. He explains that alcoholism begins with a choice to drink alcohol which subsequently leads to uncontrollable consumption. In his book, the author explains that heavy drinking or alcoholism is a lifestyle. Advertisements on the media depict alcoholism as an attractive way of life, meaning those who choose to indulge in alcohol are simply making a choice. Alcoholism is defined as a disease in order to excuse some errant behaviors. It is contended that alcoholics can indeed control their consumption of alcohol. The author emphasizes that in most alcoholism treatment facilities, it is a requirement for one to stay sober for a while before being admitted. According to him this means that an alcoholic is able to control his or her drinking. Fingarette (1988) also argues that there are many symptoms of alcoholism to qualify it as a disease on its own.
Some have also argued that relapse of recovering alcoholics illustrates that alcoholism is a choice. This is because some of the alcoholics who undergo rehabilitation choose to go back to their drinking habits. This has been compared in the same way that some people choose to take heroin or
References: Baldwin Research Institute (2003). Alcoholism: A Disease of Speculation. Retrieved from http://www.baldwinresearch.com/alcoholism.cfm. Fingarette, H. (1988). Heavy Drinking: The Myth of Alcoholism as a Disease. Berkely: University of California Press. Mello, N.K. & Mendelson, J.H. (1972). Drinking Patterns during Work-contingent and Non- contingent Alcohol Acquisition. Psychosomatic Medicine, 34, 139-164. Room, R. (1983). Sociological Aspects of the Disease Concept of Alcoholism. Research Advances in Alcohol and Drug Problems, 7, 47-91. Schaler, J.A. (1991). Drugs and Free Will. Humanities, Social Sciences and Law Society, 28(6), 42-49. US Department of Health and Human Services (2000). 10th Special Report to the US Congress on Alcohol and Health.