I also think it is not helpful for "shrinks" to tell people their problems are the result of "character flaws." I don't believe that is relevant or helpful. It's a matter of behavior that for some of us leads to a chemical addiction. The motivation to drink is varied. Some are escaping. Others start out thrill-seeking or looking for a sense of belonging or just rebelling. We're all trying to meet our physical and psychological needs. Alcohol dependence is the result of poor choices, not a character flaw. It is much more useful to believe you can change your behavior than your character (which opens the question of what is character and can it be adjusted at will).