I also grew up believing alcoholism was a "condition" with symptoms of addiction, rather than a disease. However, I agree now that it constitutes a disease, one with both psychological and physical origins, and with symptoms that include addiction, which manifests in physical and psychological symptoms and can cause secondary diseases of vital organs due to ethanol ingestion.

I think some confusion over the words "disease" and "addiction" occur because historically, we were conditioned to think of disease only in physical terms, that being the extent of our knowledge and technology... And addiction was interpreted as the condition rather than the symptom of alcoholism. This is a common and only recently changing mindset, in that now through technology and science we have begun to understand conditions such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bi-polar depressive syndrome as diseases also which have organic and physcial disease links. Alcoholism has origins in both.

Anyway, with regard to alcoholism, the disease:
First, many who have the disease are predisposed by a specific gene which was identified positively in the late 1980's. The gene link works to foster an addiction (the outward symptoms of disease) in those who possess it when exposed to alcohol consumption.

2) In those who are not pre-disposed by the gene, alcohol works to change the brain and body chemistry and biologic pre-disposition to foster/create a physcial need for/dependency upon alcohol, and also changes the brain and body chemistry to create a specific reaction to alcohol of the subject over time with consumption. This has essentially the effect of creating the same physical syndrome as if one had been born with the gene. Again, the outward manifestation includes addictive behavior, as both brain and body chemsitry are altered to a different response than someone without the disease. Portions of the brain are modified (permanently) to react and metabolize alcohol in the system. The condition, like all diseases, is irreversible. There is no known cure for alcoholism. One can only arrest the symptoms through abstination.

3) Like other diseases, whether phychological or physical in origin or both, it follows a specific predictable course, including symptoms, and responds to specific treatments.

The success of treatements is influenced by administration, chracterization, and consistency in following the prescription.

True alcoholism, the disease, is chronic. In other words, someone isn't sort of an alcoholic. What makes it difficult to dintinguish for society, is that there are many habitual abusers of the subtstance of alcohol who have not yet contracted the disease, and also, there are a number of alcoholics who remain undiagnosed and/or in denial of the disease. Habitual abusers are likely to contract the disease and sustain these permanent changes.

A number of research studies are currently underway in which the changes in brain function in those with alcoholism versus those who abuse alcohol are being documented.

 Firstly, a disease is figuratively defined as "A particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people". When most people think of a disease, they think of various infestations which cause harm to the body, or failure of certain body parts, such as the liver. However, many of these diseases are caused by the over-consumption of food or other consumables. Diabetes has a large part in how much carbohydrate is taken into the body during the life, while heart disease is associated with cholesterol. I think that alcoholism is just another disease that happens to bear the name of the over-used substance that has negative connotations and is therefore discredited.

 Have you ever seen an alcoholic shake uncontrollably when he/she hasn't had enough to drink. They have to drink a certain amount just to stop the shaking. It's called maintenance. If you believe anyone chooses that as a part of daily living then you can believe that its not a disease. You might choose to have that first drink but you don't choose how you body and brain react to it.

 I would consider it a disease. Recent studies have shown that it is hereditary. Not just something that sets a bad example for someone, while it is a bad example, people are predisposed to be drinkers within the family.

 Yes because it can be passed down in generations and usually addictions aren't passed down. Also it is usually something you can't control in cases. So it is not a choice, but rather something you have to deal with!

 The genetic and environmental predisposition to this condition besides the patients inability to control it, along with the physical retributions of it, all convince me that it is a disease.

 Yes it is a big problem when someone has a drinking problem it can led to lots of problems they need help i don't think it is a disease it is an addiction like drugs ....

 Having worked for a 3/4 house, I know it is a disease. People who have close relatives that are alcoholics are more likely to become ones themselves, just like cardiac disease and cancers, etc. I also feel that although it is treatable, it cannot be cured. Those who battle alcoholism, do it daily!

 Alchoolism is a habit and an addiction, so yes it could be a disease..... But it could be cured

 Yes it is a diese a sickness,and everyone suffers from it .....and it is and addiction.

 It is also considered a disability and you can recieve help with college tuition and vocational services with completion of a rehab facility. In hopes that you might better yourself. Read up on Carl Jung and Bill W. If you really want some insight into how devastating alcoholisim really is

 Yes, it is a disease. People who suffer from this serious mental illness can litterally drink themselves to death. They suffer terrible halucinations known as (dt)s, delerium tremens. They destroy their bodies as well as their minds. It also causes great stress and anxiety to loved ones who can also become seriously ill due to living with someone who developes severe behavioural problems. Because it is so common it has become the subject of jokes. It is a terrible addiction which slowly destroys the individual and his very dignity. It is a social disease, an addictive disease and creates great dis-ease for the sufferer.

 I believe that alcoholism is an addiction, which can CAUSE disease, such as liver failure, nerve damage etc. Much the same as tobacco smoking is an addiction that can cause cancer.