Alcoholism is an Addiction Not a Disease.

by Artie V.
(Alta Loma, Ca, )

I'm what is considered an alcoholic. In three days I will have one year of sobriety, without the help of AA or any other support method. All I have to do is remember my last drink---66 beers in two days, and some of the worst nightmares in my personal history of dreaming. Now, instead of making up excuses (called "triggers" by AA) I simply choose not to drink.

Here's a question: Why isn't being addicted to Crack, Heroin, Cocaine or Nicotine (more addictive than alcohol) considered a disease? Have you ever seen anyone walk into a store and by a can of cancer?

Calling alcoholism a disease does nothing more than undermines the real diseases that many unfortunate souls have no choice in contracting. Also, labeling alcoholism a disease only gives the alcoholic a bigger, better excuse to drink---after all, if he doesn't have a choice in the matter what good would it be to try to quit? Obviously, I strongly feel that alcoholism is not a disease.