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And, like the AMA, their “professional” status allows counselors to convince patients that the patient needs help because they are sick. While the AMA’s classifications for the most part are accurate, the organization is not without error. Since its inception the AMA has made classifications of varying “deviant” behaviors without scientific research to validate its claims. And, for whatever reason, the definition of a disease, as set forth by the AMA, is a malleable and all inclusive definition allowing for the inclusion of almost every behavior, deviant or otherwise. As a result, every unwanted behavior can be medicalized and medically treated, thereby providing professionals with more patients and more income.
Many of those who survive long years of alcoholism show a generalized deterioration of the brain, muscles, endocrine system, and vital organs, giving an impression of premature old age. Moderate alcohol use can contribute to a healthy diet or lifestyle and sober house may have positive health effects. But heavy drinking that lasts a lifetime is unhealthy and linked to several ailments. Alcohol abuse increases the probability of dangerous accidents, damage to various organs, and the emergence of chronic illnesses.
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In contrast, programs that teach personal responsibility and choice are far more successful than programs that teach the disease theory. There are gender differences in alcohol-related mortality and morbidity, as well as levels and patterns of alcohol consumption. The percentage of alcohol-attributable deaths among men amounts to 7.7 % of all global deaths compared to 2.6 % of all deaths among women.
The disease concept originated in the 1800s with a fellow by the name of Dr. Benjamin Rush. He believed those who drank too much alcohol were diseased and used the idea to promote his prohibitionist political platform. He also believed that dishonesty, political dissension and being of African-American descent were diseases. The “disease concept” was used throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s by prohibitionists and those involved in the Temperance Movement to further their political agenda.
Alcohol and Linked Behaviors
The family member is in denial of their heavy drinking, and the entire family joins them in the dissent, thinking their loved one could not be a problem drinker. Their denial becomes the barrier to addressing the needs for recovery. Rationalizations protect them from feeling the shame and fear experienced in acceptance of alcoholism in their family.