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

A Comparison of Two Types of manipulation for Alcoholism One of the largest debates in the study of alcoholism is the etiology of the disorder. The usual theory today seems to be that alcoholism is a disease, a biologic affliction that crumb 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 about 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 ineffectual to fight alcoholism and need to relinquish control to a force out greater than ourselves. (3).This power can take any form for the adherents to the program, in so far there is repeated mention of God and other panoramas 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 thusly 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 well-favored Book, the handbook of AA, states that alcoholism is a medical disease. (5).. Indeed, there is a literal 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 Newcomer Asks http//www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/ep24doc1. html4)The 12 Step Cafhttp//www.12steps.org/ cusp/12step/STEPS/STEP1.htm5)The Doctors Opinion http//www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/doctors_opinion.html6)Neuroscience investigate 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