If Alcoholism is a disease, how much is the Alcoholic at fault?!

If Alcoholism is a disease, how much is the Alcoholic at fault?

I'm always told alcoholism is a disease, but at the same time everyone's always mad at alcoholics because they choose to drink. How much of the problem is the disease? When they start treating others poorly, like lying and acting selfish, is this their fault or that of the disease?

Good question. It is a persons choice to drink alcohol, but when the problem becomes more than they can handle and it becomes addictive, then it becomes a disease. Many alcoholics try to quit cold turkey and they they have serious withdrawal symptoms so some continue to do it so they won't have to experience this or face realities of life even though this causes unpleasant or distressing events in the user's life.

Deep down a alcoholic knows what they are doing is wrong when it comes to treating others poorly, lying, stealing, acting selfish etc., they are just trying to support their habit without stopping the problem or they truly don't know how to stop and don't seek treatment.

They have to take responsibility and seek help, but no one can make them do it, they have to do it on their own. If they are not willing to seek help and treatment, then it is their fault, not the disease's fault, in my opinion. For instance if you have diabetes and don't take your medication to control your diabetes, that is your fault not the diseases fault when it gets worse, etc. Everyone has to take responsibility for their actions. Sure I understand it is extremely hard for them, it is an addiction, but they have to take responsiblity and seek treatment.

It is not clear why some people have problems with alcohol and others do not, although experts know that alcoholism can be passed down in families (genetic link). Experts believe that alcohol problems are also caused by cultural values (such as being part of a group of people who drink a lot) and mental health issues (such as drinking as a way of coping with stress or problems).

Addiction to alcohol is not a sign of weakness and does not mean someon has lack of willpower. Alcoholism is a long-term disease, just like asthma or diabetes, but the person has to take responsibility and seek treatment.

Often alcohol and drug abuse is usually an unconscious attempt at self-treatment for another problem, such as depression.

Unfortunately is it the most commonly abused drug drug by children ages 12 to 17. Alcoholism has also been known to run in families.

Click these link sif you would like to see more info:
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcoh...
http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/substance-...
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/...
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcoh...