What is the medical basis of that statement? If I have a twin brother who is an alcoholic and I am not, is there a tangible difference between our conditions (a virus, bacteria, genetic anomaly or other pathogen) that can be clearly identified and diagnosed by a medical doctor?
As others have noted on this thread, there is often a deliberate blurring of the line between "disease" and "behavioral disorders" on this issue.
Medical basis? I lived with it for 18 years. Again, you said you dont' know much about it. Obviously you don't.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00340
I just love it when judgemental people come to FR and spout opinions of which they know nothing. And remember, there but for the grace of god goes I.
I believe alcoholism is a disease, and is passed along in the genes. Good news, it is treatable and can be put into remission, where it poses no problem whatsoever.
The responsibility to treat the illnes rests ENTIRELY with the afficted person.
In no way should the definition of the illness be used as an excuse for illegal behavior.