Alcoholism as a Disease? Not Sure. The Key word is it's Progressive

by Karen
(Maryland)

I am a recovering alcoholic. I have a problem with the disease concept as I think it is our AMA that likes to label any and everything a disease so it can profit from it.

I think, for me, as there is no history at all ever in my family for many generations that it was a choice. My problem is the compulsiveness and inability to stop. And over time, my body will then show symptoms of a disease as a result of the intake.

It is progressive. Over time. I choose to say it is a choice. Addiction. Which I have to take responsibility for and can therefore change. I can not stop so I have an addiction. I have the will to change. But it also not a matter of willpower once the problem of my drinking progressed. I passed that a long time ago.

I do not know if it is a disease or not. But to admit powerlessness for me is a dangerous thing. I choose to be proactive and responsible about my recovery as this works for me.

Karen