A Comparison of Two Types of Treatment for Alcoholism Essay -- Biology

A Comparison of Two Types of Treatment for Alcoholism One of the largest debates in the study of alcoholism is the etiology of the disorder. The prevailing theory today seems to be that alcoholism is a disease, a biological affliction that can only be ameliorated by abstinence or medication. However, there are those who believe alcoholism has its roots in environmental influences and that the disorder is a maladaptive pattern of behavior. The two main methods currently employed for treating alcoholism reflect the foundations of the two main theories. Perhaps the most widely known method is the "Twelve Step" program created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (1). Underlying this process is the belief that alcoholism is a biological disease that can never be cured, nor can it even be hindered without the use of external forces(2).. Members of AA are required to admit that they are powerless to fight alcoholism and need to relinquish control to a "power greater than ourselves." (3).This power can take any form for the adherents to the program, yet there is repeated mention of God and other aspects of Christian spirituality(4). More relevant to the topic at hand is the belief that alcoholism is a biological disease, which can be inferred from the acknowledgement that help with alcoholism can only come from God. This implies that alcoholism is out of one's own hands and thus should not be considered a "character flaw" or an aspect of personality; it also implies that alcoholism is something more intrinsic to the individual. In fact, the Big Book, the handbook of AA, states that alcoholism is a medical disease. (5).. Indeed, there is a substantial amount of evidence to support this assertion; this is based on tre... ...h in U.S./Canada http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/em24dc14.html 2)The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/em24doc6.html 3)A Newcomer Asks http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/ep24doc1.html 4)The 12 Step Cafà © http://www.12steps.org/Brochure/12step/STEPS/STEP1.htm 5)The Doctor's Opinion http://www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/doctors_opinion.html 6)Neuroscience Research and Medications Development http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/please-note.htm 7)Alcoholism http://www.noah.cuny.edu/wellconn/alcoholism.html 8)Animal Models in Alcohol Research http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/please-note.htm 9)Children of Alcoholics: Are They Different? http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/please-note.htm 10)The Genetics of Alcoholism http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ 11)Treatment of Alcoholism http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p5h-al10.html