I still have a problem with the idea of alcoholism as a disease.

[raccoon]

Somehow it seems like excusing unacceptable and irresponsible behavior.

Has anybody else been able to get past this?

[NMDemDist2]

1. yup

i have an enzyme deficiency in my liver that makes me continue to drink long past when i should stop

google it

[Kajsa]

2. Raccoon, explaining the disease of alcoholism

does not excuse the crappy, life threatening behavior that
accompanies drinking,

it explains it.

For us 12 steppers, the steps help us deal with the fallout
from our drinking, and we take responsibility for it.

[demosincebirth]

3. The disease is a "physical allergy coupled with a mental obsession."

Sezzo in the book.

[elleng]

4. What book says 'mental obsession?'

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

6. Its also described

as such in the book, Alcoholics Anonymous.

[demosincebirth]

7. Did you ever obsess about drinking? I know I did, when I wasn't drinking, which

wasn't often

[elleng]

5. Info here.

Since 1956, the American Medical Association has recognized and defined alcohol addiction as a primary disease, not a secondary symptom of an underlying psychological or medical illness. Since then, this definition has been extended to define all chemical addictions as "chronic, progressive diseases characterized by significant impairment that is directly associated with persistent and excessive use of psychoactive substances. Impairment may involve physiological, psychological, or social dysfunction."

Research into the neurochemical basis of addiction points to the dysfunction of one or more of six major neurotransmitter types as being the basis of the symptoms of addiction, withdrawal, and drug cravings. Studies have shown strong genetic predisposition to some types of chemical dependency regardless of social environment.

http://www.lakesidemilam.com/DiseaseOfAddictionSynopsis.htm

Glossary of relevant terms, fyi:

http://www.lakesidemilam.com/GlossaryOfTerms.htm

[Fire Walk With Me]

8. Once you've recognized the phenomenon of craving and the insanity calling you into it,

and wanting to stop with all of your body, mind, and will and utterly, absolutely not being able to even though you know for a fact that you will die because of it...you will understand fully.

[get the red out]

9. It doesn't matter to me anymore

Since the steps of the program teach me to take care of, and try to prevent, "unacceptable and irresponsible behavior" it is a moot point to me what alcoholism is by anyone's standards. I have a problem and knowing that it is my responsibility to try to latch on to a solution.

[demosincebirth]

10. Didn't matter before and it doesn't matter now

[elleng]

11. It is what it is, a damned awful condition, requires self-awareness and control.

[demosincebirth]

12. control for a alkie is like cancer in a person. they only thing you can to is pray and

the rest is up to the Man upstairs.

[elleng]

13. 'Man upstairs?' 'Man' inside.

[old mark]

14. Racoon, I found that SOBER alcoholics are almost OBSESSIVE about

being responsible and being correct...especially those with only a few years or so...
I went back to college after being sober for about 4 years, and of course found 4 or 5 others in the same situation...We ALL made Dean's list, despite horrible winter snows that year - maybe 2 heavy snows a week. I got my dean's list letter and went to the ER with panic attacks the same week...
Feelings of lack of worth are part of alcoholism. What it is is that your body DOES NOT PROCESS ALCOHOL as do "normal" people, and you are easily addicted to it. All the stupid behavior and failings stem from that-alcohol is a terrible drug- and are NOT inate personal failings.
The longer you are sober, the less you will feel this way-you will be gaining experience dealing with life in the way you would have if you had never been a drunk, maybe even better than most people who have never been drunks, and you will learn to trust yourself and you will gain some ability to make good judgements. It all takes time and sobriety.

All the best, my friend.

mark

[rzemanfl]

16. I went back to school and got a master's degree just to prove I

didn't have a lot of brain damage. I was working full-time using the J.D. I got before my drinking got too bad. I was 39 years old when I started working on it. The drive to classes was 156 miles round trip, it snowed from time to time and the fog was really bad some late nights. One afternoon I drove down and found the University had canceled classes because of the snow I had just driven through.

I got one "B" and that really bummed me out.

[rzemanfl]

15. It's a disease. like being allergic to lobster. I have been a firm

believer that it is a disease through over 25 years of sobriety.

[Tripod]

17. I have this disease.

500 now!

[ismnotwasm]

18. I simply don't care,and I don't drink

When I drink bad things happen; to me or to other people. When I don't drink, admit that I'm not in charge, along with examining certain things that led to me to drinking and subsequent destructive behavior, correct those things to the best of my ability, made amends to people I've hurt and watch my ass carefully so those things I examined don't pop back up--often by trying to help others. (It's hard to maintain being a self centered shit when practicing selflessness and service, although it seems I find all kinds of loopholes) I get a great life. I have to work for it, but I get there.

The disease model is useful in explaining alcoholism, but not necessarily alcoholics ;-)

[progree]

19. Unacceptable and irresponsible behavior is the product of a diseased brain

All cognitive functioning, including bad behavior, is produced by the brain.

[Tripod]

20. Do you need to brush you teeth?

If you do, Alcoholism is the same shit!