Is alcoholism/drug addiction a disease?

Published May 26, 2010

I’m sure this has been asked many times but allow me to put a little spin on the question by asking many other questions of relevance.
Do you think one of the above qualifies but not the other?
Do you think the government is sending mixed messages by one being legal and not the other?
Should the government be using ‘tax on alcohol’ money toward treatment for alcoholics?
Are we winning the war against drugs?
Would we see a decrease in drug usage if the tax money on the sales of legalized drugs was used toward education, prevention and rehabilitation?
Do these questions cause you to reevaluate your position?
I get particular enjoyment posing my questions to the ‘seniors’. I have the utmost respect for them and I value their opinions no matter how wrong they are … lol.
I expect/hope to hear f/ Just Joyce, Dee Jay, oldman, Mr. Ed, Plum Ecc, Miz D, shortstuff, etc. You know who you are. Tell me what you think.
aguadelf … the following is a quote f/ your statement … A disease is something you could not possibly have any control over.
Regardless of how one became dependent (there are examples of ppl becoming drug addicts thru the administration of drugs in the hospital) the fact remains that these ppl have no control over their dependency.
Sally- You ARE an authority. Anyone w/ 22 yrs. of sobriety after dependency knows more than the so called authorities.
Just Joyce- Education IS the key. Most dependent ppl struggle with, “If I only knew then what I know now I would have never started”.
One is too many and 1000 is never enough.
glass- It already IS everyone’s problem. The increase in crime due to dependent ppl. ALONE is enough for the country to take a united stand toward DECREASING the users. The problem continues to get worse.
Whether you know it or not, many tax dollars are already being spent toward county funded beds for rehab enrollees.
Keep your head in your butt and the problem will go away.
Miz D- Anyone that comes f/ a family that has a genetic predisposition to alcohol/drug abuse is in a position where they need the education that much more.
This country doesn’t do nearly enough as evidenced by a 40+ yr. war on drugs that has resulted in more usage and an over crowded prison system.
How bad does it have to get before this country changes it’s position?

Is alcoholism/drug addiction a disease?

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