Is Alcoholism really a disease?!

Is Alcoholism really a disease?

Some doctors when asked say, the most simple way to describe it is "a mental obsession that causes a physical compulsion to drink."
Is a "Mental Obsession" really a diease

The disease theory of alcoholism is based on the assumption that alcoholism is progressive, chronic and fatal. I believe that some people are predisposed to react differently and unfavorably to the effects of alcohol.

This predisposition to over-consume alcohol certainly has psychological components but it also has physical components that cause the alcoholic's body to react to and metabolize alcohol differnetly than non-alcoholics. I'm not sure we can place a weighted value on how much of alcoholism is psycological and how much is physical. Whether alcoholism is psychological, chemical/physical or a combination of both, the result is that a person is acting under some influence to consume alcohol in excess and, in fact, to their personal detriment.

It is difficult, if not impossible, for a non-alcoholic to understand the twisted rationalizations and single-mindedness of an alcoholic engaging in alcoholic behaviors. Clearly, the alcoholic's mindset factors heavily into his/her drinking behavior. The alcoholic's mind is so twisted that, to paraphase Bill W's words, they need to hit bottom to experience a moment of clarity. This clarity enables the alcoholic to seek treatment. The moment of clarity only comes to many when they are chronically ill due to their drinking.

You're asking if a mental obsession is really a disease. If it is easier for an alcoholic to label their alcoholism a disease and to seek treatment on this basis because having a "disease" is less stigmatized; then let's say its a disease and focus on treatment not only for the alcoholic but also for the alcoholic's friends and loved ones.

My point is that alcoholism is curable. The cure is ovbviously not drinking. Many people cannot stop drinking without treatment. Treatment may come through Alcoholics Anonymous, rehabilitation centers, doctors, some combination, etc. Without intervention, many alcoholics will die; some of alcohol related accidents, some due to premature aging and some due to the chronic debilitating effects of the alcohol like liver damage.

If it helps to label alcoholism a disease and, because of this label, provide treatment vehicles, facilitate the means to provide insurance payment of treatment and to encourage alcoholics to seek treatment for themselves and their loved ones...I'm all for calling it a disease!