Is alcoholism a disease?

GRADS · 01-25-2014, 12:03 AM

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

**HB Vic** · 01-25-2014, 12:10 AM

It depends on if you catch it or not.

**Tishimself** · 01-25-2014, 12:16 AM

Yes it is. Same as wanting to own and run a jet bote.

**Napanutt** · 01-25-2014, 12:16 AM

I like to drink. Sure would like to burn some green bud occasionally and not have to drink a bottle of whatever every night to catch a little buzz but because of work I'm subject to random testing- fuck you big brother.

**76Bonneville** · 01-25-2014, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by Tishimself

Yes it is. Same as wanting to own and run a jet bote.

Wanting is one thing, but after you actually own and run one, euphoria.

**SnoC653** · 01-25-2014, 02:05 AM

Clinically they say it is. But the real question is: is it caused by nature or nurture? The body will react to alcohol and will give a response when the stimulus is taken away (withdrawal). But are some people's predisposition for alcoholism caused by the nurturing they received or do they have a genetic deficiency that makes them more susceptible to their bodies craving the alcohol?

Why are some people mean drunks and others happy drunks? I wish I could find the study again (it was actually presented as part of an ethics in psychology course I took), but they gave alcoholics orange juice and told them they were drinking screwdrivers with vodka. A significant number of them fell off the wagon as a result, and even more of them actually acted drunk after consuming a large quantity of the juice. It was determined it was unethical to even tell an alcoholic you were giving him alcohol (even if you weren't).

**Eli** · 01-25-2014, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by SnoC653

Clinically they say it is. But the real question is: is it caused by nature or nurture? The body will react to alcohol and will give a response when the stimulus is taken away (withdrawal). But are some people's predisposition for alcoholism caused by the nurturing they received or do they have a genetic deficiency that makes them more susceptible to their bodies craving the alcohol?

Why are some people mean drunks and others happy drunks? I wish I could find the study again (it was actually presented as part of an ethics in psychology course I took), but they gave alcoholics orange juice and told them they were drinking screwdrivers with vodka. A significant number of them fell off the wagon as a result, and even more of them actually acted drunk after consuming a large quantity of the juice. It was determined it was unethical to even tell an alcoholic you were giving him alcohol (even if you weren't).

That's interesting. I've wanted to figure out why some people are happy vs angry drunks. I'm convinced, based on zero medical data, that your true self comes out when you're drunk. You're not capable of pretending to be your persona anymore. But, again I have shit to back that up.

Alcoholism is a scary thing. The things people are willing to do to get a drink and get their fix is scary. I feel sad for the people around them. :(

Sent from my Bat Cave

**riverrunner1984** · 01-25-2014, 07:16 AM

If someone can't stop drinking due to lack of Will power they classify it as a disease. If someone can't quit smoking because they are addicted is it a disease???
I think addiction is in ones mind and anyone can get over it with enough will power.

**Napanutt** · 01-25-2014, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by riverrunner1984

If someone can't stop drinking due to lack of Will power they classify it as a disease. If someone can't quit smoking because they are addicted is it a disease???
I think addiction is in ones mind and anyone can get over it with enough will power.

I quit smoking cigarettes 13 years ago because I wanted to. I do believe most addictions are mind over matter.