Alcoholism: Is It a Disease?
The unlearned statements of Money concerning the origins of alcoholism were appalling.
I note the designation MD did not appear after his name.
A medical dictionary would be totally enlightening on this subject. However, the disease is so widely accepted as medical fact that even the layman’s dictionary, i.e. Webster’s, is sufficient for educational purposes.
Webster’s definition of disease: an alteration of a living body that impairs its functioning: sickness.
It further defines alcoholism: continued excessive and uncontrollable use of alcoholic drinks.
The definition of uncontrollable: incapable of being controlled.
The definition of psychiatry: branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders.
The disease is an alteration of a living body characterized by an uncontrollable use of alcohol, which is cured by the medicine of psychiatry or other means of therapy.
S.A. STRICKLAND
Clarendon, Tex.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
