Sobriety

Its an addiction. Anyone can wrap it up with a bow and say "its a disease" & quote scripture & medical diatribes. You'll only see alcoholics hold it up as a disease though. I know this will be an unpopular statement amongst those addicted to alcohol or another substance...because you need that security blanket of acceptance...but it is what it is. Its an addiction of the weak minded. Has it shattered lives? Of course...just like cocaine. Has it ruined reputations and livlihoods? Of course...just like crack...

Its an addiction.

That's not diminishing the impact or seriousness of the issue. My father was a drunk, but it was his CHOICE to hoist the bottle to his lips, not something he had no decision in it...(such as cancer, ebola, etc). I think this is a fallacy woven for the public calling it a "disease" to make it more acceptable to be "a recovering alcoholic"...as if one is getting over a bad cold.

Im not trying to make fun of anyone or minimalize anyones challenges....although I have reason to suspect OP of another in a long running systematic platform of stating anything to get attention/sympathy.

Continue with your normal chatter. Originally Posted by Toyz

I agree with Dr. Grape and you on this subject and having grown up around alcoholics and drug addicts for the majority of childhood I've always felt the "I can't help it, it's a disease I have no control over." is a huge cop out. People should hop off the "it's biological and totally not my fault" train.

Though I will admit near the end, when they(alcoholics) have to even bring their drinks into the shower with them and they shake like a leaf even when they ARE drinking alcohol- at that point it looks like some kind of disease if you didn't watch the person choose and choose again to get drunk to the point it fucked their mind/body's up.

Saying alcoholism is a disease is not the same as saying there is nothing you can do about it.

Cancer is a disease. Its nature is biological and it can have a genetic factor such that some people are more susceptible than others. But there are things you can do about it. You can avoid environmental factors that might increase the probability it will occur. You can seek out help from medical professionals. Some people think that having a bad attitude can give you cancer, but that's mythology that can drive people away from the real help they need and that can be effective.

Alcoholism is a disease. Its nature is biological and it can have a genetic factor such that some people are more susceptible than others. But there are things you can do about it. You can avoid environmental factors that might increase the probability it will occur. You can seek out help from medical professionals. Some people think that having a bad attitude causes alcoholism, but that's mythology that can drive people away from the real help they need and that can be effective.

Saying cancer or alcoholism is a disease shouldn't be used as a cop out. It's a scientific fact that implies both a responsibility to seek out help, and the real possibility that professionals can offer hope.

congrats

Disease? Addiction? Interesting debate, but one for another thread, as Ztonk has stated.

In the end, whether it's a disease or an addiction just doesn't make a bit of difference. Whatever it is, you have it under control. And that was entirely your doing - hardly something that a "weak minded" person could accomplish.

You have my congratulations and best wishes for a much brighter future without alcohol. The doubters are just envious of your willpower.

I agree with Dr. Grape and you on this subject and having grown up around alcoholics and drug addicts for the majority of childhood I've always felt the "I can't help it, it's a disease I have no control over." is a huge cop out. People should hop off the "it's biological and totally not my fault" train.

Though I will admit near the end, when they(alcoholics) have to even bring their drinks into the shower with them and they shake like a leaf even when they ARE drinking alcohol- at that point it looks like some kind of disease if you didn't watch the person choose and choose again to get drunk to the point it fucked their mind/body's up. Originally Posted by Ms.Mandy

Not to be rude, but please research what alcoholism and addiction really is. No one choses to an alcoholic.
•The “Choice Argument” measures addiction only by the addict’s external behavior
• It ignores the inner suffering of the patient
• You don’t actually have to have drug use for the defective physiology of addiction to be active
• The addict cannot choose to not crave
A disease is a cellular defect in an organ or organ system that leads to observable, measurable signs and symptomsm (this is the one modern medicine uses)
Addiction is a disorder in the brain’s Reward (Hedonic) System

not to be rude
but this thread is a year old and the OP isnt even around

Not to be rude, but please research what alcoholism and addiction really is. No one choses to an alcoholic.
•The “Choice Argument” measures addiction only by the addict’s external behavior
• It ignores the inner suffering of the patient
• You don’t actually have to have drug use for the defective physiology of addiction to be active
• The addict cannot choose to not crave
A disease is a cellular defect in an organ or organ system that leads to observable, measurable signs and symptomsm (this is the one modern medicine uses)
Addiction is a disorder in the brain’s Reward (Hedonic) System Originally Posted by Kmj1985tx

So you bump a year old thread to respond to a Banned members post. Boy you're a smart one. *scratching my head*

you're drunk, go back to AA

Oops my bad.

Thanks for sharing that info, anyway, Kmj. Very helpful.

I didn't 'choose' to develop a craving for wine. Willpower is bull caca or we would ALL be thin, wouldn't we?

With regards to the OP-this just means that it's another year that she has been sober. That is an awesome anniversary to celebrate.


I will be celebrating my one-year anniversary on November 6.

And now… We can put this thread back where it was.

I will be celebrating my one-year anniversary on November 6. Originally Posted by Aphrodite

congratulations ... keep me posted on how you are doing.

if a thread has to get bumped ... this isn't a bad one ... despite all the analyzing and defining, crowing and back slapping. nice to see folks moving forward .. just that simple.

Congratulations Aphrodiate!

Doger, you are so right... If a dusty thread is to be bumped, this isn't a bad one...

HB.

Congratulations Aphrodite...you are an inspiration!!! Nothing is more admirable to me than someone fighting, & especially conquering, an addiction...I have found a daily reprieve from my struggles too, one day @ a time...fingers crossed I'll always have that...

Muah!!!!!!

Congratulations to both Aphrodite and Mandi May. Two wonderful ladies who bring a lot to our community. Thankfully, they have conquered their issues and are now moving forward in positive directions.

And, they are both a lot of fun BCD and I need to get back and see each of them soon.

not to be rude
but this thread is a year old and the OP isnt even around Originally Posted by knotty man

So is 90% of the people on here.

So is 90% of the people on here. Originally Posted by playingnthedark

Over a year old, most don't act like it.