Alcoholism

Your probably wondering why alcoholism decided to mess up your life.

I don't know. I don't think anyone else can say they do either. Since no real proof has ever been presented.

Alcoholism is almost always diagnosed by anectdotal evidence. It can't be put under a microscope and proven.

With that out of the way, here a couple of theories that seem to have a lot of support.

One school of thought says it is learned behaviour. For instance, if alcohol helps you sleep, if it relieves pain or anxiety, you learn to use it as a tool to help you. Your a self medicator. (Not a real word-medicator.) Because it works, this behaviour is reinforced. Some people think you should be able to stop if you want.  That if a person had any willpower they would.

The second school of thought say it is a disease. The disease model of alcoholism by-passed moral responsibility by saying your sick. If we aren't upset with diabetics for being sick, why would we be upset with drunks.

The disease model of alcoholism says that if we are predisposed to alcoholism and we trigger it (start drinking) than it is only a matter of time until we lose all control and either die or quit.

If this is correct than alcoholism is to blame, not the person. The person isn't weak or of low moral character. They are not to blame.

Unless, of course, you think someone with dander allergies should not wrestle with the dogs. And if they do, they shouldn't complain when their eyes swell shut.

Bad habit or dread disease. It doesn't matter. Alcoholism is a problem no matter how you dress it up. 

What does matter is this:

If it is learned, can it be unlearned?
If it is a disease, can it be cured?

Most treatment for alcoholism is based on the disease model. This is a great way to classify a problem if you want your insurance company to pay for it. If it is a disease, where is the blood transfusion? Why is everyone sitting around talking to each other about how they feel?

Raging Alcoholic