Alcoholism: disease or excuse?

[Dood]

The AMA and many other medical/mental health organizations classify alcoholism as a disease. But many are skeptical, calling it an excuse, crutch, copout. Any opinions?

 

[Vadatajs]

It started off as a disease, but has become an excuse. For some it is legitamate, but for most it is only another means of shunning personal accountability.

 

[Mill]

Well let me change that. It can both be a disease and an excuse.

 

[Michael1897]

both.
for some they literally can't control it like gambling but for others it is an excuse

"i lost my job and took up the bottle"

 

[skyking]

Disease, pure and simple. Alcohol abuse is another thing entirely. When you have one drink, and then can't stop on your own, that is alcoholism. When you consciously make a decision to get plowed until you're sick, that is alcohol abuse.
I have known many folks who are alcoholic, and it seems to run in families, lending credibility to the genetic theory of alcoholism.

 

[Jzero]

Like depression and ADD, it is both a disease and an excuse.
Some people really do have them and need help fighting them by way of medication, therapy and support groups.
Some people claim that they have them as an excuse for being a slacker, a jerk, a failure, what have you, when there is really nothing wrong with them physiologically.