I was taught:
disease = 'dis' +ease = inability to be at ease.
Illness = ill + 'ness' = 'ill' as a state of being.
Some people need to have an understanding of alcoholism as a disease
but others are simply looking for something to 'blame'
or some way of being a 'victim' of something they can't control.
I think either approach can be helpful
as long as one remains in a placce of responsibility.
responsibility = able to respond.
Jus sayin.