I think generally speaking of what constitutes a disease (being a condition that is chronic, progressive and fatal if left untreated), alcoholism fits that definition. Also from the 24th Edition of the Stedman’s Medical Dictionary:
1. A disease is a morbus, an illness, a sickness that causes an interruption, cessation, or disorder of bodily functions, systems, or organs
2. A disease is an entity characterized by at least two of these criteria:
(1) a recognized etiologic agent (or agents);
(2) an identifiable group of signs and symptoms; or
(3) consistent anatomical alterations of known body systems.
I think alcoholism fits in there somewhere with the above understandings.
I like to follow the
brain disease model of addiction. But that is just me, I can understand science and how behavior is shaped by various factors. I can also understand how a chemical substance can change brain function, as well as how recovery can be based on proven practices. But for the things that are kinda too fuzzy to me in their nature, like HP's, I don't place much significance to them in relation to treating a disease.
Yo, hey...I think "whatever floats your boat" and gets one well...then's it all good
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