I don't believe I've ever seen anyone here compare alcoholism to cancer. I've heard it compared to diabetes at times, and I feel it does share some similarities with that, but cancer would be, well... a little insensitive, and a lot less accurate.

If someone did compare the 2 (as I may have heard in the rooms), it was done just to state that they have a disease (alcoholism) that needs to be treated. Just as they would treat cancer, if they had that.

I think when something bothers us it becomes charged. We start noticing it where others don't. Something presents itself a few times, and it seems like it's ever present.

I think the argument is : Is addiction a disease/illness? Not if it similar to cancer. Apart from being chronic, relapsing and serious obviously they are very different.

Anyways my theory is that there are 2 types of addicts -

Type 1 are born addicts (very strong genetic component). They are very resistant to treatment and drugs fill a huge void in their physiology. The best thing for these people is either harm reduction or in rare case a spiritual experience (like Bill Wilson) and abstinence.

Type 2, are made addicts. They have sought solace in the bottle or the pipe etc. because of negative trauma in their lives. They usually can moderate or quit when the situation in their lives improve. They are good candidates for psychotherapy, rehab, 12 steps etc.

My final thought. Addiction treatment culture and cancer treatment are totally different. When a cancer stricken patient has rounds of chemo and it isn't working Dr's will change the type of treatment. There are other options. When an addict continues to use despite treatment and AA/NA there are no more options. Out the door goes the addict who then most likely will end up in prison or the grave. Can you imagine a cancer patient getting kicked out of treatment? I am thankful that the Families Anonymous program I attend does not have the us versus them mentality.

Upset, I''m not quite sure you are making out this discussion for what it really is, or perhaps none of us know. I think there is disagreement as to whether there is a choice to continue using ones's drug of choice for an addict. If you interpret that disagreement as 'us vs them ' mentality than I suppose that's your business but it doesn't seem a fair assumption.