Disease Concept of Alcoholism

The debate over alcoholism's nature has been going on for decades. Modern medicine views the addiction to alcohol as a medical condition. Many psychologists and drug-addiction aide groups take the stand of alcoholism being a conscious mental decision. These differing opinions have lead to numerous studies on the subject.

History of the Debate

• By the 1950s both the American Psychiatric Association (ASA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) began to refer to alcoholism as a disease. This spurred E. M. Jellinek's research on the subject. In 1961, Jellinek presented his "Disease of Alcohol Concept" and gained worldwide support. He used statistics from surveys to come up with his theory. The 1980s brought the start of genetic research into the causes of alcoholism which continue to the present day.

Jellinek's Data

• Jellinek produced his theory of the disease of alcoholism in 1961 by compiling evidence gathered through surveys that he had circulated during Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. The answers showed a link between alcoholic behavior and illness. Jellinek recovered 158 questionnaires, 60 of which he discarded because of pooled answers and discarded more because they came from women. This led to criticism of his findings.

Genetic Links

• In the 1980s genetic research into alcoholism began with the notion of THIQ, an addiction stimulant that is normally produced by metabolizing heroine, as a cause for the repeat-offender nature of recovering alcoholics. It was suggested that the stimulant is also created during metabolism of alcohol and that since it stays in the system long after consumption of alcohol has ceased, it can trigger addictive behavior such as cravings. Today's genetic research centers around deficiencies in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Studies show that abnormalities in these brain functions appear to be present in those suffering with alcoholism.

Debate

• While the AMA and 90 percent of the American population agree that alcoholism is a disease, others claim it is simply a choice. Those claiming the addiction to be a choice say that sheer willpower is the only correct treatment because as it is the addicted person's choice to continue their addiction, the only way to end it is through personal choice. These doubters do not have the same amount of scientific data to back up their claims as those claiming the addiction to be a disease. Instead, this group relies mainly on criticizing the findings of others.

Opposition to the Theory

• Noted opponents of the theory that alcoholism is a disease include Stanton Peele and Herbert Fingarette. They suggest that not only was Jellinek's data inconclusive due to the nature of his research methods, but that the APA and AMA have capitalistic incentives to advocate the theory. Opponents claim that not only is alcoholism not a primary disease in and of itself, but also that it is often a secondary effect of a psychological condition and that alcoholics have a choice in its resolution.