The book Under the Influence by Dr. James Milam is excellent. However, it was written in 1981--30 years ago--so the medical model of alcoholism/addiction is not new. I would venture to say that most of the people I have had the priviledge to get to know here on SR fully understand that alcoholism/addiction is a disease.
So then what is the problem? You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. Intervention is a method of getting a person into treatment and even if they relapse, I do believe that the exposure they get in a good treatment facility is worthwhile. But sometimes....while you're leading that horse to water, he kicks you in the teeth and runs off. Intervention is one way to approach things but certainly not the only way and there are no guarantees in life....particularly where alcoholism/addiction is concerned.
I will always have hope that my son, whom I love very much, will decide to embrace recovery.
more gentle hugs