I see this as a running staple in the AA program. I’m on the fence as to whether or not it’s true. Kind of see it as a “it’s not my fault” mantra. I definitely believe in alcoholism being genetic. Inherently born to be triggered at some point by environment.
This is not affecting my belief in AA. Just finding certain aspects to be hypocritical and wondering what you people think…
Is it a disease or a syndrome?
I just finished reading Craig Beck’s ‘Alcohol Lied to Me.’ He states that its not a disease. “A disease implies there is nothing you can do about it and you may have contracted it without any conscious input on your part.” Of course you need to read this in the context of the book. Beck can be a bit controversial as he has lots of products that he sells alongside the book. However, I found parts to be very useful.
Personally, I don’t feel MY drinking problem/ alcoholism is a disease. It came from a decade of repeatedly drinking a highly addictive substance. Other factors can have an impact (genetics, biology, chemical dependency etc.) but ultimately it came down to my choice to keep buying it, keep drinking it and keep making excuses as to why thats ok/ this time will be ok. I still make bad choices at times. But each time reinforces that alcohol adds nothing positive to my life and i will never have just one.
The American Medical Association says it is. Doctors are smarter than me, so I’m going to agree with them. Its also listed in the DSM. But diseases are treatable so that’s good. I fully believe that an addicts brain is wired differently and when we pick up that first one we are screwed. I’ve known people that use heroin recreationally and can put it down no problem. Addicts like me can’t do that shit.
There’s nothing that says that because we have a disease that we can’t do anything about it. Millions of people are in recovery as we speak. I want to add to that number.
Alcoholism
A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
Learn more at Google Search
Way back when…when I was earning my first degree, it was at that time a hot debate whether it is or isn’t. It really comes down to semantics and definitions. Is it a disease, like tuberculosis…no… but if you use the definition of disease a psychologist would use, then yes it is.
idk about disease, but addictive personality is definitely a thing. it’s about having an abnormally high dopamine response to pleasurable stimuli compared to the whole population.
I know it’s bigger than me. I can’t fight after the 1st drink. I don’t believe its genetic or hereditary, but when it’s a daily event in the house as we are growing it becomes accepted and normal. People aren’t born racist, they learn it by watching and listening. People aren’t born knowing how to walk, it’s learned by watching.
I also don’t believe that AA uses it’s a not my fault mantra. They preach being honest and living spiritually. Accepting responsibility for one’s own actions.