Problem drinking concepts

The traditional explanation either leans on lack of norms and morals or rests the case on a disease concept. The former has ancient roots and is represented for instance by Plato "From the moment of their birth men have a desire for food and drink. Every living creature has an instinctive love of satisfying this desire whenever it occurs, and the craving to do so can fill a man s whole being, so that he remains quite unmoved by the plea that he should do anything except satisfy his lust for the pleasures of the body, so as to make himself immune to all discomfort." (Plato 1970,782). "Give a man correct education, and these instincts will lead him to virtue, but educate him badly and he ll end up at the other extreme," Plato states. Obviously lack of education is seen to be the core problem. Aristotle used the term akrasia, signifying the weakness of the will that makes man unable to resist temptations. 

In the disease concept of alcoholism/addiction, the condition is viewed as a primary disease. That is, it is not caused by another condition (e.g., depression or family problems). The disease is progressive, with predictable stages including a loss of control over drinking and/or drug use. In addition, the disease of alcoholism/addiction is chronic (continues for life), and it is incurable. In this conceptualization of the disease concept, the only justifiable goal is abstinence from alcohol and illicit drugs. 

Does the chronic medical condition concept make sense Again, it does for some of the people in our example. Certainly, the disease model examples (Raymond, Fred, Cheryl) appear to have chronic medical conditions. However, Raymond (nausea-treatment alcoholic) did not have any continuing care after treatment, yet he remained sober. Herbert (maintenance drinker) certainly had a chronic problem with alcohol. But, he never had any formal treatment intervention for his drinking and was able to stop drinking and never start again without any assistance. 

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