Alcoholism: Disease or Choice

[mitchabong]

Dumb, dumb, dumb. Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb

[ndrthrdr1]

I chose to drink. It was a coping mechanism. I quit drinking for good when I left AA, started thinking of drinking as a behavior pattern rather than a disease, and learned some techniques from the SMARTRecovery website.

[sandbar3000]

I like this ALOT. We all have a CHOICE. Remember, the 5 pathways of recovery (mental health) is Choice, Hope, Empowerment, Recovery Eniviorment and Spirituaity. However, you can leave off Spirituality. . .not all people believe in a higher power. I'm not saying that an addiction (to anything) is a sickness or a disease. What I AM saying is that all have a choice to drink or not to drink.

[evrgrnn5280]

does everyone here hate alcoholics? damn...

[duckjockey10]

@evrgrnn5280 its not hate people are just tired of this disease excuse....its just way to make things not your fault.

[skolded1]

Seems like a community college presentation.  Speak to alcoholics; Then give your presentation.

[SJPatrik]

I would say that alcoholism is a choice to begin with.

[ackroh]

of course it is a choice, just ppl's poor self control won't allow it to be.

[prschuster]

The disease model is meaningless because the definition of addiction involves everything from genetics to cravings to withdrawal symptoms to subsequent organ damage to "dry drunk" behavior when not using. So, if you try to have a discussion about addiction as a disease, the subject keeps changing from one aspect to the other - like trying to get hold of a greased pig. It's a verbal shell game.

[imcrazy85]

very good video thank you and very well said

[papabear0311]

@imcrazy85 thank you for the comment

[garg411]

Alcoholism is not a sickness. That's really stupid. It's a lack of willpower. You don't catch alcohol or develop it, you put it in yourself. Saying it a disease is just a way to make it not your fault.

[EvesUnderground]

The person I am dealing withis a alcholic and has always ran from issues and was allowed to from a very young age.. also the person is very emo and in victum mode..It's hard watching someone harm themself in more them one way.

[GeneralKenobiSIYE]

When my engagement went to crap and my ex left me because she couldn't handle my crohn's disease, I drank heavily. I KNEW it wasn't a disease. Crohn's is a disease, no the drinking I did. I drank because it was my choice to drink. I loved it and drank a lot because of it. Crohn's I have NO choice over. It is a real disease. My drinking was my choice. I rarely drink now that I'm over the bitch, and I never drink to the levels I once did. Usually only 2 drinks now. Alcoholism is a choice. Period!

[GeneralKenobiSIYE]

@GeneralKenobiSIYE On the rare occasion I go out with friends, I have a good time, have 2 or 3 drinks and then call it a night. I used to kill entire bottles alone in my kitchen when my ex left me. Calling it a disease is not taking responsibility for our own shortcomings, and is an act of cowardice. I chose to drink that much, and I chose to stop drinking that much. As I write this, it's been about 2 months since I've had a drink. Not because of AA (liars), but because I choose not to.

[HomeWreckerA1]

I have a diseasse, its called nicotenism. Lol

[spacestate]

From the beginning, alcoholism is clearly a choice.

[Hammersley1967]

The idea that alcoholism is a disease has always been a political and moral notion with no scientific basis. It was first promoted in the U.S. around 1785 as an erroneous physiological theory (Levine, 1978), and later became a theme of the temperance movement (Gusfield, 1963). It was revived by AA in the 1930s, which derived its views from an amalgam of religious ideas, personal experiences, anecdotal observations, and the unsubstantiated theories of a contemporary physician (Robinson, 1979)...

[counselorrobb]

100% choice, I am a RECOVERED alcoholic, I have lived it, studied it, and teach this daily, there is NO possibility this is a disease, you are NOT a victim.. either do it or not..

[Godlyguitarman]

@neb22 That is exactly point.

[iloveubabe123]

alcoholism is a disease. i have video.

[11visionary11]

Wrong...its a choice.

[Godlyguitarman]

@iloveubabe123 The haters don't like hearing from that have experience with addiction explain what they deal with daily. Something that the World has lost respect for.

[chaosbringer127]

CHOICE

definitelly.

[Godlyguitarman]

@chaosbringer127 what experience do you have to show that it is a choice? I would bet differently

[chaosbringer127]

Who decides to go buy a 12 pack from the store? Who decides to open the can? Who drinks the alcohol?

Think about it for a second.

[Godlyguitarman]

@chaosbringer127 If you have every been in the situation then you would know now wouldn't you. Then you would know that they is more to it than just making a decision.

[chaosbringer127]

You didn't answer the question. Who is the one who buys the alcohol? Who is the one who decided to drink in the first place?

That's right. You. Sorry if the truth hurts.

[Godlyguitarman]

@chaosbringer127 I asked you what experience you have with being an addict.When you didn't like what I asked then you start asking questions back. If you have no experience then you have no right to pass judgement on something you have not the first clue of.I am really glad that you are not an addict. It is something that really haunts you while you sleep.BTW the part you are missing is the uncontrolling obsession and complusation that make you believe that you don't have a choice.

[chaosbringer127]

Look. No one told you to try alcohol in the first place. Alcohol is an evil drug that no one should use. Not even in "moderation", because there is no moderation when it comes to alcohol.

[Godlyguitarman]

@chaosbringer127 That is were you and I complete agree. BTW I also used drug. But one thing lead to another.

[Morethanenough1]

Additcions like alcoholism are always just decisions. They are not diseases. Its a choice. Always have been and alway will be. You don't have to be an alcoholic to know this, its common sense, anyonw with a brain and ANY personal responsibility knows this.

[Godlyguitarman]

I am a recoverying addict and I can tell you from life experience that you are wrong. So what you ar saying that I decided to b e an addict. WOW you are clearly wrong. Also personal responiblity has not a damn thing to do with it.I have one for you to answer.Have you ever driven a drag car or truck?No then how in the hell are you going to tell me what it is like. SO next time before answering a question that you have never experienced go try it first then come back.That is the biggest misnomer.

[Morethanenough1]

So a disease called alcoholism forced you to drink? Forced you to take drink after drink? WOW tell me how to aviod tihs "disease"..will it atack me out of no where? Are kids suseptible? holy cow man! We must find a cure for this agrrisive disease!.....oh wait...its to STOP DRINKING!

I am not an alcoholic bc I have personal responsability and I know if I drink too mcuh its my own fault. I have self controle and if I started to "need" a drink I would stop.

[Morethanenough1]

Ppl like you are pathetic. You try to balme anyone but who is in controle...YOU. only YOU have controle of what goes into your body, unless ppla re kidnapping you and forcing beer down your throut.

YOU have controle if you want help, if you want to stop...only YOU. its not a disease like aids, you can stop anytime you want to. Its not easy, but being hard doesnt make it a disease moron, it makes it hard.

[Godlyguitarman]

This is were you show you stupidity. The drugs is only a sympton of the disease. It is much more than just drinking or drugging. Also it is far from a choice. I have read your profile and I know that you like to just bitch with no research or merit. So like 2p and godless I am done with you,

[Morethanenough1]

If you read my profile you know I like to bitch to STUPID ppl.

The drug is NOT the sympton of any disease moron. You CAN"T get alcoholism without first drinking!

HKow anyone can be this stupid is beyond me....oh wait, you are an alcoholic who wants to blame anything but yourself...I get it.

[Godlyguitarman]

And Again you are talking about something you not a clue about. Ask any addict if after they quit using if their life got better with no more than just quiting. Also I know that bitching is stupid because you have no research and no experiences so you are no more than just hot air.

[Morethanenough1]

I do know addicts, ALL of them agree its a choice....a choice to quit and a choice not too.

I am not hot air, I am reason.Something you sorly lack.

[Godlyguitarman]

YOu are not an addict so knoning someone and then claiming that they agree with you is weak. I know a couple millionaires doesn't give me the knowledge of how to get a million dollars. Oh and you are the reason that rubbers needs to be handed out to all children. To keep people like you from breeding

[Morethanenough1]

Wow, rubbers are to keep ppl like me from breeding? Ya, like the world has too many ppl with common sense and reason. We need more pathetic loosers who think that self responsability and respect are an illusion and they are slaves to beer fairys who force them to get a disease of alcoholism.....yep, we need more of you.

[Godlyguitarman]

I don't know where you get your ideas about me. So let me straighten you out. I more then take responiblity for myself to the point that I write what I do during the day to see where I have done anything wrong, (10th step). Also because you believe that just knowing someone gives you the experience in the field then you are the one with some serious ilusions. Yep I am so glad that you are on YT trying this wonderful knowledge and not endangering people who would believe some ass like you.

[duckjockey10]

@Godlyguitarman everything that you type shows your ignorance shows how weak willed you are and how you cannot think for yourself....you need to quit blaming a "disease" and blame yourself....it is a fucking choice...you have to use over and over and over and over to develop....it doesnt delevop from nothing.....you drink then develop alcoholism...not the other way around.Take responsibility for your actions.

[duckjockey10]

@Godlyguitarman you did decide to become an addict...it did not develop then you started using...yu started using then became addicted..use common sense rather than playing victim.....grow the fuck up and take resposibility for your actions.

[duckjockey10]

@Godlyguitarman you did decide to become an addict...it did not develop then you started using...yu started using then became addicted..use common sense rather than playing victim.....grow the fuck up and take resposibility for your actions.

[footstink35]

Once upon a time I was a drunk. By the age of 24 I had thrown everything away, was sleeping rough and eating from bins. I have been sober 15 years now and have never once considered it a disease. I was not a victim, I did not have a disease. A drunk enjoys being drunk, he enjoys it so much he does it all the time, eventually he gets addicted, when the fun stops he wants to stop. If he wants it enough he will stop. It'll be the hardest thing he ever does and it can be done, for it is a choice.

[11visionary11]

Well said.

Its too bad that todays society is so afraid of not being politicaly correct and "affending" someone they dont say the truth any more.

[duckjockey10]

@footstink35 thank you..

[janX9]

Not a disease.

[POLYMORPHLEGION]

most definitely not a disease.

[agentgabbit]

I think this was a very brave presentation to make, as it smacks in the face of popular convention. I think I agree with you, but it almost feels wrong to say it. 'Am I going to be hunted down for saying that alcoholism might not be a disease?'. Anyway, I don't know a lot about the area, but I commend your courage and creative thinking. Keep it up!

[evet45]

You can't compare AIDS to addiction. Some folks have died being held down, with alcohol forced into them- Frat hazings for example, So that's a useless argument on your point. You just don't get it because you don't know enough about the addictive process and how it works. Look, let

Neonatal ICU nurses educate you on addiction.

Go to some open AA meetings and then make an intelligent decision.

[evet45]

Newborn infants who need medical withdrawal do not make the CHOICE to use alcohol. It is a physically addictive disease., otherwise infants would not need medication for withdrawal. They would not scream. writhe, vomit, seize, or die from withdrawal! GABA receptor sites show how alcohol works in the brain,

[thelocust1980]

Did I say that alcohol DOESN"T damage a child's brain? No. But this discussion is about ADULTS WHO CHOOSE TO DRINK, not abused children. But, people in AA were not held down, and FORCED to drink. That's the whole point. An alcoholic CHOOSES to drink, it would be like getting AIDS, then the next day, your symptoms are gone. So you go back and get AIDS again. A fetus doesn't have a choice. Just like smoking. You don't get symptoms unless you CHOOSE to smoke.

[thelocust1980]

I couldn't agree with you more, dude. I think the problem lies with the individual having addictive personality issues. A cancer patient is "Powerless" to stop the disease through sheer force of will, but an alcoholic can and many do. Plus, it's the only "disease" I know of where a person does not have physical symptoms UNTIL they make a choice to drink. I am not saying it's an easy thing to get over, but it ultimately comes down to a choice people make. Good Job!

[evet45]

You cannot compare alcohol to cancer for criminny sakes! It's like comparing wool sweaters to apples. Cancer is a horrible thing with many variations. So is alcoholism Newborn babies are not Psychologically addicted.

[rymo316]

And you and I may not be suffering from alcoholism, but we are both still alcoholics and you better believe we start drinking again nothing will change. It is something we have no control over at all. Not a choice.

[papabear0311]

I know exactly what you are talking about. And, I guess alcoholism is preventable if we just don't pick up that first drink. It is always there and can be triggered by just one drink. I just don't like the connotation that alcoholism implies. We are not helpless as long as we choose not to drink, unlike cancer or diabetes where there is no choice.

[SubconsciousGatherer]

@rymo316 You have no control over it? That's sad. It's sad that you don't see that it's indeed a choice. Every time you put the glass to your lips you are CHOOSING to do so. No one's forcing you to drink. I claim responsibility for every single drink I've ever had, and my alcoholism is my own doing. Just as it's a choice for me to drink, it's also my choice now to NOT drink.

[duckjockey10]

@rymo316 it isnt an involuntary action....meaning it is a choice...you or no human beings on this planet have idle hands that forcbly make you drink or take that drug...i am so fucking sick of hearing how you cant control it...bullshit....its a weak individuals excuse for wanting to be high or drunk....yes it is hard to get off of whatever it may be that one is addicted to....but in what way does that make it involuntary??Everyone can make choices...quit using fucking excuses.

[rymo316]

I have chosen to do the same. But a lot of people "choose" to pick up a drink and have no problem with it. People like you and me pick up one drink and who knows how many will follow...I certainly did not choose to get blackout drunk everytime i touched alcohol. I wish I could "choose" to drink responsibly, but I can't and never will be able to.

[rymo316]

Yeah...people choose to become alcoholics...you are a fuckin idiot dude

[papabear0311]

hey, what i mean about alcoholism being a choice is that if you choose to pick up that first drink, that causes you to want to drink more and become an alcoholic. You can also choose to not drink that first drink, which is what I chose to do since 1991, thereby not suffering from alcoholism.

[evet45]

YOU are one of the fortunate few who can do this! Obviously millions from the first time they discovered fermentation could not. But don't judge others who can't. It's not willpower.

[Godlyguitarman]

I know that this comment is old by I want you to hear from someone that treats my addiction like a disease and why. I cannot drink just one beer or soda or just chew one piece of gum. My brain tells me to have more even when I don't want to. It is not a choice to have this trigger. The only choice is at first is realizing that you are obsession about taking more of whatever. Also getting drunk or high is never what we set out to do. It takes us there without a choice of our own. God Bless

[2pWORTH]

Godly your pathetic........Can you not just have one meal then?Is that why you are a fat twat?I have never heard so much stoopidity in my life.....You cant just have one soda or piece of gum?If what you are saying is true you would of eat yourself to death by now...

Get over your self.....You havent taken drugs for 10 plus years....Your not addicted to anything....except your own ego.POOR POOR YOU.

[duckjockey10]

@papabear0311 everyone one wants to drink more after 1 drink. Its just as matter of whether or not you are smart enough to not let it take over your life and control what you do..everyone has that ability.

[leaderOFlosers]

@rymo316

alcoholism is an addiction for the weak-willed.

Cancer is a disease.