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

A Comparison of Two Types of Treatment for inebriation One of the largest debates in the study of tipsiness is the etiology of the disorder. The prevailing theory now seems to be that alcoholism is a disease, a biologic affliction that can only be ameliorated by abstinence or medication. However, there atomic number 18 those who gestate 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 th an ourselves. (3).This power can take any form for the adherents to the program, as 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 ones 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./Canadahttp//www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/em24dc14.html2)The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymoushttp//www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/em24doc6.html3)A newbie Asks http//www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/ep24doc1.html4)The 12 St ep Cafhttp//www.12steps.org/Brochure/12step/STEPS/STEP1.htm5)The Doctors Opinion http//www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/doctors_opinion.html6)Neuroscience Research and Medications Developmenthttp//www.niaaa.nih.gov/please-note.htm7)Alcoholismhttp//www.noah.cuny.edu/wellconn/alcoholism.html8)Animal Models in Alcohol Research http//www.niaaa.nih.gov/please-note.htm9)Children of Alcoholics Are They Different?http//www.niaaa.nih.gov/please-note.htm10)The Genetics of Alcoholismhttp//www.niaaa.nih.gov/11)Treatment of Alcoholism http//www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p5h-al10.html