Hi Far Away, I'm sorry I didn't see your response sooner. Welcome to SR and our Step Study.
The "alcoholism as a disease" subject is one that often spurs heated debate. It's one of the topics that can bring out strong emotions. I have heard it compared to cancer, diabetes, sometimes mental illness. There are similarities but also distinct differences.
The bottom line, for us, is that WE cannot cure neither the illness nor the disease, nor much else in anyone else. There comes a time when we, as loved ones of someone who drinks or uses drugs to excess, have to accept our powerlessness over the situation.
Ultimately we choose our own path of recovery. I'm glad you found us and look forward to learning more about you.