The question of chronic excessive alcohol consumption being a choice or alcoholism disease is fiercely debated. Both aspects of the argument make valid points, but eventually each person will have to decide his or her standpoint on the topic. To help choose, we have put together facts on each side of the discussion.

Alcoholism Disease Aspect of Dispute

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) specifies that alcoholism is a disease that effects 17.6 million Americans. Every year 88,000 fatalities are related to extreme alcohol consumption making alcoholism the third most common cause of death from lifestyle choices.

Together with the NCADD, countless Americans acknowledge that alcoholism is a disease according to a Gallup survey conducted in 2006. As a matter of fact, 76 percent of those surveyed acknowledge addiction, including alcoholism, is a disease. Of those who agree alcoholism is a disease, 81 percent think recovery is achievable. But 48 percent of individuals who say recovery is feasible feel that professional assistance is needed to achieve sobriety.

The perspective that alcoholism is a disease and requires professional aid is maintained by other professional organizations as well. The American Medical Association (AMA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) supports the alcoholism disease aspect of the dispute.

Identifying Factors of Alcoholism Disease

Those institutions who maintain alcoholism as a disease understand it’s a chronic and often fatal disease. This disease is progressive, going from a few drinks periodically to chronic, unmanageable alcohol consumption. Intense yearnings urge the alcoholic to keep on drinking regardless of negative consequences to health, family, and financial situations.

As a disease, alcoholism should be handled equally as diabetes or cancer is managed. The desire to use may come back anytime and should be dealt with throughout the life of the sufferer. And because alcoholism is a disease, victims should not be shamed so they will look for help.

Assistance is offered in addiction treatment facilities and through Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-Step Program.

In opposition to Alcoholism Disease Aspect of Dispute

Although there are valid points to alcoholism as a disease, challengers say this perspective discharges the alcoholic from having responsibility for his or her choices. By eliminating responsibility, he or she can then go further into addiction with no remorse.

Individuals who think alcoholism is a choice feel that the recovery industry is taking advantage of keeping alcoholics in a lifelong disease. As a position against the industry, numerous self-help solutions have surfaced to help alcoholics locate recovery based on their self-will. Only time will tell if these kinds of solutions will be as reliable as the 12-Step Program has been in sustaining recovery.

Despite Your Side of The Alcoholism Disease Argument …

No matter which aspect you agree with, alcoholism is a severe concern. If you or a loved one is battling with alcoholism, call Northlake Recovery at (561)-770-6616. We provide affordable alcohol detox and rehab solutions to help you obtain sobriety. Don’t delay, call for help today.