And there goes genetics out the window… There is a problem here… There is a genetic influence in alcoholic families, but it’s all random in non-alcoholic families.
Anyway, Genetics aside, (Genetics are not the issue.) Everything is related to genetics at some point.,
The issue is “Is Alcoholism a disease?” According to the medical model of alcoholism 'Yes." According to the DSM, it is a mental disorder with behavioral consequences. “Controled drinking is a viable therapeutic outcome and it works for many alcoholics.,” (Let’s not go to… 'Then they weren’t real alcoholics." Please!) " Controlled drinking is an approach to alcohol consumption that focuses on moderation, or setting limits on consumption, as opposed to abstinence, or refraining from consuming alcohol altogether .MET-Motivational Enhancement Therapy is another option. Finally, there are plenty of Self Help groups that do not use the disease model.
Point Being: There are options and I do not buy into the medical disease model.
•Psychoeducational groups
•Skills development groups
•Cognitive—behavioral/problem-solving groups
•Support groups
•Interpersonal process groups
None of these require a person to accept the idea that they have a disease to be treated. I don’t want to be long-winded. But let’s look at the goals of the Psychoeducational group. At no point are people made to think alcoholism is a disease. " Principal characteristics. Psychoeducational groups generally teach clients that they need to learn to identify, avoid, and eventually master the specific internal states and external circumstances associated with substance abuse. The coping skills (such as anger management or the use of “I” statements) normally taught in a skills development group often accompany this learning." The point is, there is nothing in psychological treatment that requires a “disease model.” There is nothing in medical treatment that requires a ‘disease model.’ The exact same results can occur whether or not you opt to call alcoholism a disease. I do not buy into the disease model. Nothing has been said thus far supporting the idea that alcoholism is a disease.