Is Alcoholism a Disease or Not?

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the question of whether alcoholism can be viewed as a disease or not. It presents the opinion that alcoholism is not a disease but is rather the result of psychological and sociological factors and should not be categorized as a disease. The paper then presents the view that alcoholism can be viewed and treated as a disease. The paper concludes that, in the final analysis, , both viewpoints must be taken into account in assessing and dealing with the problem of alcoholism.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of Research
Interpretation
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This view of alcoholism is contrasted with those researchers like Peel who state that there are other factors that should be considered before defining alcoholism as a disease. These include the psychological and sociological dimensions of the problem and the way that individual willpower and preferences play a role in alcoholism."
"In essence, an analysis of the relevant data and research indicates that both these views should be taken into account in understanding and dealing with alcoholism. In other words, alcoholism has not only one causative dimension. While an individual may become an alcoholic due to genetic factors, at the same time this view should be balanced against the fact that social, psychological and other factors may be a cause of the addiction."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hobbs R, Managing alcoholism as a disease. November 1, 2007. <http://physiciansnews.com/commentary/298wp.html>
• The Disease Concept. November 1, 2007. <http://www.alcohol-drug-treatment.net/disease_concept.html>
• Vaillant G. ( 1983) The Natural History Of Alcoholism: Causes, Patterns, And Paths To Recovery. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press
• Peele S. Disease or Defense? Review of the Natural History of Alcoholism, by George E. Vaillant. . November 1, 2007. < http://www.peele.net/lib/vaillant.html>
• Peele S. The Stanton Peele addiction Website. November 1, 2007. <http://www.peele.net/faq/disease.html>

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