One of the most important lessons I've learned on SR is...
 

not to participate in threads or debates over whether or not alcoholism is a disease. All that matters to me is that there is help available for everyone whose life has been effected by alcoholism--for the alcoholic, for their family, and their friends. And I thank God that I found this forum to help me get control of my life and sort out the facts from fiction.

The best advice I can offer to newbies on this forum or others who are struggling with the disease vs. choice debate is to learn as much as you can about alcoholism and then decide for yourself. But I'd certainly recommend that you devote more time to understanding the concept of co-dependency and how to heal yourself than you do on the alcoholic in your life.

The bottom line is there is help and hope for everyone.

you are right--really-it doesn't make a difference what you believe it to be or what you call it . if you like debating you can go to threads that do--as long as you do no harm!That anyone is here is a sign they are headed in the right direction...

i know.....i know.....(walks away shuffling feet)

haha you guys make me smile!!!! you are sooo good--what would I ever do without you???
I am just so irish sometimes!!!!

I just posted--a new thread--no more debate---there are those who are hurting that need us right now--I surrender!!!!!!!!!!!

Disease, no disease, choice...call it whatever you want. The end result is the same. The process of getting to the end is the same. The hurt for both us and the alcoholic is the same. It's seems pointless to debate a "label".