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Brain & Genetic Research:
Archives of Neurology
The mission of the Archives of Neurology is to publish scientific information primarily important for those physicians
caring for people with neurologic disorders but also for those interested in the structure and function of the normal and
diseased nervous system.
BMC Neurology
BMC Neurology is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in all aspects of the
prevention, diagnosis and management of neurological disorders, as well as related molecular genetics,
pathophysiology, and epidemiology.
Brain-A Journal of Neurology
Brain provides researchers and clinicians with the finest original contributions in neurology. Leading studies in
neurological science are balanced with practical clinical articles. Its citation rating is one of the highest for neurology
journals, and it consistently publishes papers that become classics in the field.
Brain Place
Brain S.P.E.C.T. Information and Resources. Hundreds of SPECT images available online.
emedicine-Neurology Articles
Behavioral Neurology and Dementia
Genetics Home Reference
Genetics Home Reference provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variations on human
health.
Medscape-Neurology & Neurosurgery
Information on Neurology & Neurosurgery.
Nature Neuroscience
Here you will find the full text of the current issue and an archive of previous issues (from May 1998 to present). You can
also find general information about the journal, and more detailed information for readers, authors, referees, librarians,
advertisers and journalists. This site is specific to Nature Neuroscience, which is published by Nature Publishing Group.
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
The National Human Genome Research Institute led the Human Genome Project for the National Institutes of Health,
which culminated in the completion of the full human genome sequence in April 2003. Now, NHGRI moves forward into
the genomic era with research aimed at improving human health and fighting disease.
Neurology Journal
As the leading clinical neurology journal worldwide, Neurology is directed to physicians concerned with diseases and
conditions of the nervous system. The journal's purpose is to advance the field by presenting new basic and clinical
research with emphasis on knowledge that will influence the way neurology is practiced. The journal is at the forefront in
disseminating cutting-edge, peer-reviewed information to the neurology community worldwide.
QIMR Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory
The genetic epidemiology group is at the forefront of work on the genetics of alcoholism and, from questionnaire and
interview studies involving 6000 twins over the past 19 years.
Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR)
Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository plays a key role in research aimed at understanding the genetic causes of
common, complex diseases. RUCDR activities will enable gene discovery leading to diagnoses, treatments and,
eventually, cures for these diseases.
The Journal of Neuroscience
The Journal of Neuroscience Web-based Submission System. The Journal of Neuroscience launched a Web-based
manuscript submission and handling system on Wednesday May 21, 2003.
Wyeth Neuroscience
WyethNeuroscience.com was created as a source of neuroscience information for U.S. health care professionals. On the
site, you can access a variety of resources, including video, on topics related to mental health.
The mission of the Archives of Neurology is to publish scientific information primarily important for those physicians
caring for people with neurologic disorders but also for those interested in the structure and function of the normal and
diseased nervous system.
BMC Neurology
BMC Neurology is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in all aspects of the
prevention, diagnosis and management of neurological disorders, as well as related molecular genetics,
pathophysiology, and epidemiology.
Brain-A Journal of Neurology
Brain provides researchers and clinicians with the finest original contributions in neurology. Leading studies in
neurological science are balanced with practical clinical articles. Its citation rating is one of the highest for neurology
journals, and it consistently publishes papers that become classics in the field.
Brain Place
Brain S.P.E.C.T. Information and Resources. Hundreds of SPECT images available online.
emedicine-Neurology Articles
Behavioral Neurology and Dementia
Genetics Home Reference
Genetics Home Reference provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variations on human
health.
Medscape-Neurology & Neurosurgery
Information on Neurology & Neurosurgery.
Nature Neuroscience
Here you will find the full text of the current issue and an archive of previous issues (from May 1998 to present). You can
also find general information about the journal, and more detailed information for readers, authors, referees, librarians,
advertisers and journalists. This site is specific to Nature Neuroscience, which is published by Nature Publishing Group.
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
The National Human Genome Research Institute led the Human Genome Project for the National Institutes of Health,
which culminated in the completion of the full human genome sequence in April 2003. Now, NHGRI moves forward into
the genomic era with research aimed at improving human health and fighting disease.
Neurology Journal
As the leading clinical neurology journal worldwide, Neurology is directed to physicians concerned with diseases and
conditions of the nervous system. The journal's purpose is to advance the field by presenting new basic and clinical
research with emphasis on knowledge that will influence the way neurology is practiced. The journal is at the forefront in
disseminating cutting-edge, peer-reviewed information to the neurology community worldwide.
QIMR Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory
The genetic epidemiology group is at the forefront of work on the genetics of alcoholism and, from questionnaire and
interview studies involving 6000 twins over the past 19 years.
Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR)
Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository plays a key role in research aimed at understanding the genetic causes of
common, complex diseases. RUCDR activities will enable gene discovery leading to diagnoses, treatments and,
eventually, cures for these diseases.
The Journal of Neuroscience
The Journal of Neuroscience Web-based Submission System. The Journal of Neuroscience launched a Web-based
manuscript submission and handling system on Wednesday May 21, 2003.
Wyeth Neuroscience
WyethNeuroscience.com was created as a source of neuroscience information for U.S. health care professionals. On the
site, you can access a variety of resources, including video, on topics related to mental health.
| A disease is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions. Implied in this definition is that the cause of this change is outside the control of the organism. |
Dr. Jeffrey A. Schaler, Professor of Law, Justice and Society at the American University, Washington, D.C., tells us:
“Real disease is found in a cadaver at autopsy. Mental illness is not. Mental illness refers to something that a person
does. Real disease refers to something that a person has.” "Addiction isn't a disease; it's a way of life."
“Real disease is found in a cadaver at autopsy. Mental illness is not. Mental illness refers to something that a person
does. Real disease refers to something that a person has.” "Addiction isn't a disease; it's a way of life."
Dr. Thomas Szasz, Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, tells us: "There is no blood or other biological test to ascertain the
presence or absence of a mental illness, as there is for most bodily diseases."
presence or absence of a mental illness, as there is for most bodily diseases."
Dr. Stanton Peele, Social/clinical Psychologist, tells us: “The idea that alcoholism is an inherited biological disease has
been badly overstated, and according to some well-known observers, is completely unfounded.”
been badly overstated, and according to some well-known observers, is completely unfounded.”
Dr. Herbert Fingarette, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of California, Santa Barbara, tells us: "When
behavior is labeled a disease, it becomes excusable because it is regarded as involuntary." "...It removes all personal
and moral responsibility and rewards those who continue to drink heavily."
behavior is labeled a disease, it becomes excusable because it is regarded as involuntary." "...It removes all personal
and moral responsibility and rewards those who continue to drink heavily."
Fingarette, H. (1989). A Rejoinder to Madsen. Public Interest, 95:118-121.
“I explore a variety of claims as to what ‘disease’ might mean in order to demonstrate that none of them fits alcoholism.”
Mulford, H. and Jurgens, B. (1989). Helping Alcoholics: Doing What Comes Naturally. Presented at the University of
California San Diego Conference on Financing Community-based Recovery Services, March 23-24, 1990.
“The numerous so-called “alcoholism diagnostic instruments”…do not establish the objective reality of an alcoholism
disease entity…(they) merely reinforce the myth of an alcoholism disease “thing.” “The alcoholism disease concept and
the Alcoholism movement are propaganda, news media, and political achievements; they are not scientific achievements.
If we would understand the rise and growth of the alcoholism treatment industry, the disease to study is not alcoholism
but “greedism.”
Peele, S. (1989). Diseasing of America: Addiction Treatment Out of Control. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books. p. 65 “It
has been remarkably hard to find systematic proof that treatment for alcoholism and other addictions accomplishes
anything at all.” p. 73 “The selling of the idea of addiction is a major contributor to the undermining of moral values and
behavior in our era.” p. 206
Peele, S. (1989). Ain’t Misbehavin’: Addiction Has Become an All-purpose Excuse. The Sciences, August, pp. 14-21.
“Creating a world of addictive diseases may mean creating a world in which anything is excusable.” “Given that there is
no evidence for a purely physiological explanation of addiction, the whole process of labeling a drug addictive is arbitrary
at best.” “Perhaps the most dire consequence of the disease model of addiction is that it has encouraged the abdication
of individual responsibility for outrageous conduct.”
Schaler, J. (1989). Alcoholism as Willful Misconduct. Journal of the American Medical Association, 261:864-865.
“Simply calling alcoholism a disease does not make it one, even if it assists in creating sobriety.” p. 864 “A person both
enters and leaves a state of alcoholism or addiction through an act of will.” p. 865 “Those in the treatment industry have
an economic investment in maintaining the disease model...Shall science be compromised for these economic and
ideological investments?” p. 865
Trimpey, J. (1989). The Small Book: A Revolutionary Alternative for Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Dependence. New
York: Delacorte Press. Trimpey in Alcoholism: Current Controversies (1994)
“...Rational Recovery is in complete agreement that the most reasonable solution to drug and alcohol dependence is
usually lifetime abstinence from drugs and alcohol.” p. xx “Alcoholism, like other ‘isms,’ is not a disease but rather a
philosophy that has affixed itself to a particular human problem--that of habitual, self-destructive drinking of alcohol.” p. 6
“Rational Recovery is bringing chemical dependency treatment back home to the discipline of mental health, where it
belongs.” p. 23 “...there are different roads to recovery.” p. 24 “The fourth useless theory about the cause of chemical
dependence is the disease theory. The idea here is that if one ‘has the disease of alcoholism,’ one is incompetent to
choose to become unaddicted.” p. 73 “The Big Plan is simply a decision to never, ever, use intoxicants again. It is a final,
decisive act of will; a covenant with oneself.” p. 108 “Many people’s jobs depend on alcoholism being a disease.”
“I explore a variety of claims as to what ‘disease’ might mean in order to demonstrate that none of them fits alcoholism.”
Mulford, H. and Jurgens, B. (1989). Helping Alcoholics: Doing What Comes Naturally. Presented at the University of
California San Diego Conference on Financing Community-based Recovery Services, March 23-24, 1990.
“The numerous so-called “alcoholism diagnostic instruments”…do not establish the objective reality of an alcoholism
disease entity…(they) merely reinforce the myth of an alcoholism disease “thing.” “The alcoholism disease concept and
the Alcoholism movement are propaganda, news media, and political achievements; they are not scientific achievements.
If we would understand the rise and growth of the alcoholism treatment industry, the disease to study is not alcoholism
but “greedism.”
Peele, S. (1989). Diseasing of America: Addiction Treatment Out of Control. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books. p. 65 “It
has been remarkably hard to find systematic proof that treatment for alcoholism and other addictions accomplishes
anything at all.” p. 73 “The selling of the idea of addiction is a major contributor to the undermining of moral values and
behavior in our era.” p. 206
Peele, S. (1989). Ain’t Misbehavin’: Addiction Has Become an All-purpose Excuse. The Sciences, August, pp. 14-21.
“Creating a world of addictive diseases may mean creating a world in which anything is excusable.” “Given that there is
no evidence for a purely physiological explanation of addiction, the whole process of labeling a drug addictive is arbitrary
at best.” “Perhaps the most dire consequence of the disease model of addiction is that it has encouraged the abdication
of individual responsibility for outrageous conduct.”
Schaler, J. (1989). Alcoholism as Willful Misconduct. Journal of the American Medical Association, 261:864-865.
“Simply calling alcoholism a disease does not make it one, even if it assists in creating sobriety.” p. 864 “A person both
enters and leaves a state of alcoholism or addiction through an act of will.” p. 865 “Those in the treatment industry have
an economic investment in maintaining the disease model...Shall science be compromised for these economic and
ideological investments?” p. 865
Trimpey, J. (1989). The Small Book: A Revolutionary Alternative for Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Dependence. New
York: Delacorte Press. Trimpey in Alcoholism: Current Controversies (1994)
“...Rational Recovery is in complete agreement that the most reasonable solution to drug and alcohol dependence is
usually lifetime abstinence from drugs and alcohol.” p. xx “Alcoholism, like other ‘isms,’ is not a disease but rather a
philosophy that has affixed itself to a particular human problem--that of habitual, self-destructive drinking of alcohol.” p. 6
“Rational Recovery is bringing chemical dependency treatment back home to the discipline of mental health, where it
belongs.” p. 23 “...there are different roads to recovery.” p. 24 “The fourth useless theory about the cause of chemical
dependence is the disease theory. The idea here is that if one ‘has the disease of alcoholism,’ one is incompetent to
choose to become unaddicted.” p. 73 “The Big Plan is simply a decision to never, ever, use intoxicants again. It is a final,
decisive act of will; a covenant with oneself.” p. 108 “Many people’s jobs depend on alcoholism being a disease.”
| Statements from those educated in the field of disease & addiction: |
Jack Trimpey, Recovered Alcoholic, Founder Rational Recovery, tells us: "AA not only created the disease called
alcoholism but also devised a treatment." "Alcoholism’ and ‘alcoholic’ are folk expressions. Neither word is a medical term."
alcoholism but also devised a treatment." "Alcoholism’ and ‘alcoholic’ are folk expressions. Neither word is a medical term."
Dr. Gene M. Heyman, Department of Psychology, Harvard University, tells us: "How can a behavior be 'out of control' or
'compulsive' yet require planning?" "...addicts are those who plan to use drugs in uncontrolled ways."
'compulsive' yet require planning?" "...addicts are those who plan to use drugs in uncontrolled ways."
Alcoholism & The Disease Concept
Questions On Disease Concept:
Is the only disease contracted by an act of will.
Is the only disease that is habit forming.
Is the only disease that comes in a bottle.
Is the only disease causing hundreds of thousands of family disruptions.
Is the only disease promoting crime and brutality.
Is the only disease contributing to hundreds of thousands of automobile accidents.
Is the only disease playing a major part in over 50% of the more than 50,000 annual highway deaths.
Is the only disease which is sold by license.
Is the only disease that is bought in grocery stores, drug stores, and well-marked retail outlets.
Is the only disease that is taxed by the government.
Is the only disease that is necessary for medical doctors to fellowship one with another.
Is the only disease in which medical support for the disease outweighs any effort to prevent it.
Is the only disease given as Christmas gifts.
Is the only disease that has been "legalized" for sale on Sunday by our legislators.
Is the only disease that is habit forming.
Is the only disease that comes in a bottle.
Is the only disease causing hundreds of thousands of family disruptions.
Is the only disease promoting crime and brutality.
Is the only disease contributing to hundreds of thousands of automobile accidents.
Is the only disease playing a major part in over 50% of the more than 50,000 annual highway deaths.
Is the only disease which is sold by license.
Is the only disease that is bought in grocery stores, drug stores, and well-marked retail outlets.
Is the only disease that is taxed by the government.
Is the only disease that is necessary for medical doctors to fellowship one with another.
Is the only disease in which medical support for the disease outweighs any effort to prevent it.
Is the only disease given as Christmas gifts.
Is the only disease that has been "legalized" for sale on Sunday by our legislators.
Alcoholism:
1-Are there any other real chronic diseases that includes one or more of the following symptoms:
Cravings, loss of control, physical dependence, and/or tolerance?-No!
2-Can the craving for pleasure be as strong as the craving for food and water?-Yes!
3-Is alcoholism chronic, meaning it lasts a persons lifetime?-No, Studies have shown most alcoholics quit or cut back to a
responsible level!
4-Is alcoholism incurable, meaning the person can never fully recover from addiction?-No, within 6-12 months the brain
returns to normal and studies show the majority of alcoholics fully recover!
5-Are alcoholics powerless over alcohol (total loss of control) and/or their addiction?-No. Studies have showed alcoholics
drink to a desired intoxication, there's is no such thing as involuntary behavior!
6-Do alcoholics have the power of choice/free will to quit?-Of course they do, people quit all the time!
7-Symptoms are always observed before diagnosing a disease. With alcoholism when do the symptoms appear?-Only
after a person consumes alcohol
8-Physically visible anomalies are used to diagnose all real diseases. Are there any anomalies found in alcoholism?-No!
9-Can the disease of alcoholism be found in a cadaver at autopsy, like all other real diseases?-No!
10-Is there a blood or other biological test to ascertain the presence or absence of alcoholism?-No!
11-Has the disease concept been scientifically proven?-No. There is no scientific research that suggests or supports the
hypothesis that neurobiological factors initiate volition!
12-Can alcoholic genes predict if someone will become an alcoholic?-No!
13-Is a genetic link to a predisposition to alcoholism evidence of alcoholism?-No. It only proves a difference in bodily
processes, not a difference in thinking. Knowing the sequence of individual genes doesn't tell you anything about the
complexities of what life is!
14-Is a predisposition to a disease a disease?-No!
15-Tobacco use has been linked to cancer. Has alcohol use been linked to alcoholism?-No. It's scientifically invalid!
16-Is alcoholism a spiritual disease?-No. The holy bible clearly calls it a ‘work of the flesh’ (a behavior) and never calls it
a disease!
17-Can alcoholism be medically treated?-No, study after study proves it can't!
18-Are there any medical doctors who oppose the disease concept theory?-Yes, 80% of medical doctors reject it!
19-Does labeling behaviors a disease remove legal and moral responsibility?-Yes, because it is considered an
involuntary disability!
20-Can alcoholics drink moderately after solving their alcohol problem?-Yes, studies show 38-63% return to moderate
drinking!
21-What is the most intense addiction known, with the most pronounced withdrawal symptoms?-Love addiction.
Withdrawals can include cravings, despair, shakes, depression, aggression, headache, vomiting, insomnia, and even
suicidal tendencies!
22-What does drug and sex addiction have in common?-They both affect the same pleasure/reward system in the brain!
23-What does laziness, depression, being upset, enjoy being alone, spending hours on the Internet, and
alcoholism all have in common?-They're all learned behaviors!
24-What does heart disease, diabetes, AIDS, arthritis, asthma, and cancer all have in common with alcoholism?-They
have nothing in common!
25-Are ‘relapses’ similar to someone who has diabetes? (i.e.; failure to comply with a prescribed diet, exercises, and/or
take medication.)-No. Diabetics who resist their doctor’s orders resemble addicts, rather than addicts resembling them.
Diabetics may deteriorate spontaneously for physical reasons that are unprovoked and unavoidable. Relapse to
addiction by contrast, invariably represents a failure to comply with doctors orders, that is, to stop using drugs!
26-If you took an alcoholic and a diabetic and dropped them off in the middle of a desert who would live?-The alcoholic
would. (Less than .01 die from alcohol withdrawal)
27-Does the strong desire to drink justify criminal and immoral misconduct?-No!
28-Is the disease concept popular in countries where it’s not profitable?-No. Only in America(87%) Asia(33%) Britain
(28%) Germany(17%) Japan(31%) China(22%
29-Unqualified drug counselors make what percentage of the diagnoses of alcoholism?-60%-90%
30-Does teaching the alcoholic that alcohol dependency is caused by a chronic disease help in their recovery from
alcohol addiction?-No, those who teach the disease concept have over a 95% failure rate!
31-Has the boom in treatment programs and recovery groups teaching the disease concept help reduce alcohol and
drug problems?-No, we have more alcohol and drug problems now then ever before and it continues to grow!
32-If alcoholism isn’t caused by a disease why has it been promoted as being one?-It's an all American excuse to drink
excessively and profit off those who do!
Cravings, loss of control, physical dependence, and/or tolerance?-No!
2-Can the craving for pleasure be as strong as the craving for food and water?-Yes!
3-Is alcoholism chronic, meaning it lasts a persons lifetime?-No, Studies have shown most alcoholics quit or cut back to a
responsible level!
4-Is alcoholism incurable, meaning the person can never fully recover from addiction?-No, within 6-12 months the brain
returns to normal and studies show the majority of alcoholics fully recover!
5-Are alcoholics powerless over alcohol (total loss of control) and/or their addiction?-No. Studies have showed alcoholics
drink to a desired intoxication, there's is no such thing as involuntary behavior!
6-Do alcoholics have the power of choice/free will to quit?-Of course they do, people quit all the time!
7-Symptoms are always observed before diagnosing a disease. With alcoholism when do the symptoms appear?-Only
after a person consumes alcohol
8-Physically visible anomalies are used to diagnose all real diseases. Are there any anomalies found in alcoholism?-No!
9-Can the disease of alcoholism be found in a cadaver at autopsy, like all other real diseases?-No!
10-Is there a blood or other biological test to ascertain the presence or absence of alcoholism?-No!
11-Has the disease concept been scientifically proven?-No. There is no scientific research that suggests or supports the
hypothesis that neurobiological factors initiate volition!
12-Can alcoholic genes predict if someone will become an alcoholic?-No!
13-Is a genetic link to a predisposition to alcoholism evidence of alcoholism?-No. It only proves a difference in bodily
processes, not a difference in thinking. Knowing the sequence of individual genes doesn't tell you anything about the
complexities of what life is!
14-Is a predisposition to a disease a disease?-No!
15-Tobacco use has been linked to cancer. Has alcohol use been linked to alcoholism?-No. It's scientifically invalid!
16-Is alcoholism a spiritual disease?-No. The holy bible clearly calls it a ‘work of the flesh’ (a behavior) and never calls it
a disease!
17-Can alcoholism be medically treated?-No, study after study proves it can't!
18-Are there any medical doctors who oppose the disease concept theory?-Yes, 80% of medical doctors reject it!
19-Does labeling behaviors a disease remove legal and moral responsibility?-Yes, because it is considered an
involuntary disability!
20-Can alcoholics drink moderately after solving their alcohol problem?-Yes, studies show 38-63% return to moderate
drinking!
21-What is the most intense addiction known, with the most pronounced withdrawal symptoms?-Love addiction.
Withdrawals can include cravings, despair, shakes, depression, aggression, headache, vomiting, insomnia, and even
suicidal tendencies!
22-What does drug and sex addiction have in common?-They both affect the same pleasure/reward system in the brain!
23-What does laziness, depression, being upset, enjoy being alone, spending hours on the Internet, and
alcoholism all have in common?-They're all learned behaviors!
24-What does heart disease, diabetes, AIDS, arthritis, asthma, and cancer all have in common with alcoholism?-They
have nothing in common!
25-Are ‘relapses’ similar to someone who has diabetes? (i.e.; failure to comply with a prescribed diet, exercises, and/or
take medication.)-No. Diabetics who resist their doctor’s orders resemble addicts, rather than addicts resembling them.
Diabetics may deteriorate spontaneously for physical reasons that are unprovoked and unavoidable. Relapse to
addiction by contrast, invariably represents a failure to comply with doctors orders, that is, to stop using drugs!
26-If you took an alcoholic and a diabetic and dropped them off in the middle of a desert who would live?-The alcoholic
would. (Less than .01 die from alcohol withdrawal)
27-Does the strong desire to drink justify criminal and immoral misconduct?-No!
28-Is the disease concept popular in countries where it’s not profitable?-No. Only in America(87%) Asia(33%) Britain
(28%) Germany(17%) Japan(31%) China(22%
29-Unqualified drug counselors make what percentage of the diagnoses of alcoholism?-60%-90%
30-Does teaching the alcoholic that alcohol dependency is caused by a chronic disease help in their recovery from
alcohol addiction?-No, those who teach the disease concept have over a 95% failure rate!
31-Has the boom in treatment programs and recovery groups teaching the disease concept help reduce alcohol and
drug problems?-No, we have more alcohol and drug problems now then ever before and it continues to grow!
32-If alcoholism isn’t caused by a disease why has it been promoted as being one?-It's an all American excuse to drink
excessively and profit off those who do!
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2-An important rule to remember when addicts are searching for an excuse to drink excessively, treatment professionals
using addicts to make money, and pharmaceutical companies wanting to sell more drugs: is you will find whatever excuse
supports your belief. Spending millions in taxpayers dollars trying to prove addiction is caused by a genetic abnormality
(which is still highly controversial) or a drug damaged brain (your brain returns to normal with abstinence) that requires
treatment instead of personal and moral responsibility has only lead to more controversy and more alcoholics. Maybe if
we stopped for a moment and put all the scientific excuses aside we would find it all came down to a simple choice.
People drink and use drugs because they want to not because a 'gene' forces them. AA's version of the disease concept
(spiritual disease) is alcoholics are powerless over alcohol (total loss of control) and cannot cease drinking once they
start. This also has been proven false by every experiment designed to test it. Alcoholics Anonymous and treatment
providers pushing alcoholics to accept defeat that a disease brings may think they are helping the addict but in fact they
are only hurting them in the long run. Disease or no disease people will still engage in behaviors that they have learned
helps them cope with everyday problems. Any intelligent person after faced with extremely high failure rates would look
for another solution. The last thing an addict needs is another excuse to continue in their bad behavior.
using addicts to make money, and pharmaceutical companies wanting to sell more drugs: is you will find whatever excuse
supports your belief. Spending millions in taxpayers dollars trying to prove addiction is caused by a genetic abnormality
(which is still highly controversial) or a drug damaged brain (your brain returns to normal with abstinence) that requires
treatment instead of personal and moral responsibility has only lead to more controversy and more alcoholics. Maybe if
we stopped for a moment and put all the scientific excuses aside we would find it all came down to a simple choice.
People drink and use drugs because they want to not because a 'gene' forces them. AA's version of the disease concept
(spiritual disease) is alcoholics are powerless over alcohol (total loss of control) and cannot cease drinking once they
start. This also has been proven false by every experiment designed to test it. Alcoholics Anonymous and treatment
providers pushing alcoholics to accept defeat that a disease brings may think they are helping the addict but in fact they
are only hurting them in the long run. Disease or no disease people will still engage in behaviors that they have learned
helps them cope with everyday problems. Any intelligent person after faced with extremely high failure rates would look
for another solution. The last thing an addict needs is another excuse to continue in their bad behavior.
1-Drug Addiction is either a disease or it's a choice-it can't be both. The addict is either personally and morally
responsible for their addiction or they are a victim of a disease. Treatment providers teaching addicts that they're
diseased while at the same time teaching the addict to take responsibility for their addiction sends conflicting messages
and only confuses the addict. How can it possibly benefit the addict teaching them they have a chronic brain disease?
Can epileptics control their seizers? Can cancer patients decide not to have cancer or diabetics choose to become
insulin-free through an act of will? Of course not! So how can we expect addicts who believe they are diseased to
quit using drugs through an act of will? Studies have showed treatment providers teaching addicts that their addiction
is the result of a brain disease always produces failing results and in some cases actually hinders the normal
natural recovery process (maturing out of addiction). While some treatment providers claim to be helping addicts
with their addiction problems the fact is they are only encouraging them to fail in the long-term. Diseases don't bring
hope they only cripple the addict and undermines self-control. The addict is either a victim of a disease or they are
responsible for their behavior-never both.
responsible for their addiction or they are a victim of a disease. Treatment providers teaching addicts that they're
diseased while at the same time teaching the addict to take responsibility for their addiction sends conflicting messages
and only confuses the addict. How can it possibly benefit the addict teaching them they have a chronic brain disease?
Can epileptics control their seizers? Can cancer patients decide not to have cancer or diabetics choose to become
insulin-free through an act of will? Of course not! So how can we expect addicts who believe they are diseased to
quit using drugs through an act of will? Studies have showed treatment providers teaching addicts that their addiction
is the result of a brain disease always produces failing results and in some cases actually hinders the normal
natural recovery process (maturing out of addiction). While some treatment providers claim to be helping addicts
with their addiction problems the fact is they are only encouraging them to fail in the long-term. Diseases don't bring
hope they only cripple the addict and undermines self-control. The addict is either a victim of a disease or they are
responsible for their behavior-never both.
7-"A majority of substance users do not develop addiction to alcohol, cocaine, or opiates. Currently available plasticity-
based models of addiction [hijacked brain hypothesis] do not adequately account for the limited prevalence of addiction
among chronic substance users and the presence of pre-existing, comorbid traits. The genetic model (model 2) of
addiction predicts that addiction is more likely to develop after initial substance use in individuals with genetic
susceptibility, which is also associated with comorbid traits in some, but not all cases. Model 2 highlights the need
for a new direction in addiction research as well as new treatment strategies." --- Genetic susceptibility to substance
dependence, Molecular Psychiatry (2005) 10, 336–344, by N Hiroi and S Agatsuma
based models of addiction [hijacked brain hypothesis] do not adequately account for the limited prevalence of addiction
among chronic substance users and the presence of pre-existing, comorbid traits. The genetic model (model 2) of
addiction predicts that addiction is more likely to develop after initial substance use in individuals with genetic
susceptibility, which is also associated with comorbid traits in some, but not all cases. Model 2 highlights the need
for a new direction in addiction research as well as new treatment strategies." --- Genetic susceptibility to substance
dependence, Molecular Psychiatry (2005) 10, 336–344, by N Hiroi and S Agatsuma
4-When considering whether you or someone else has the disease of alcoholism, we suggest you get tested to see if you
are carrying alcoholic genes. Most addiction professionals claim that people who drink to excess are diseased. This
may not be accurate. A recent study of the general population in New Mexico reveals that, in fact, most alcohol-related
problems may be due to excessive drinking -- especially binge drinking -- among people who are not alcoholics. 16.5%
of 4,761 New Mexico adults were considered "excessive drinkers," but only 1.8% of those met criteria for alcoholism. A
very low number (.6%) of problematic drinkers are actually diseased(gene abnormality).
are carrying alcoholic genes. Most addiction professionals claim that people who drink to excess are diseased. This
may not be accurate. A recent study of the general population in New Mexico reveals that, in fact, most alcohol-related
problems may be due to excessive drinking -- especially binge drinking -- among people who are not alcoholics. 16.5%
of 4,761 New Mexico adults were considered "excessive drinkers," but only 1.8% of those met criteria for alcoholism. A
very low number (.6%) of problematic drinkers are actually diseased(gene abnormality).
5-Excessive and long-term drug use can in fact temporarily change chemical reactions and how the brain normally
functions. Treatment providers base their claim of excessive drug use as being a chronic incurable brain disease
because through brain scans scientists can measure the damaging effects excessive drug use has on the brains'
function compared to a normal brain. What they don't tell you is that brain scans have also showed that after prolonged
abstinence from excessive drug use the brain will return to normal (with the exception of sever brain damage). The only
way to prove excessive drug use leads to a chronic incurable brain disease is to prove that all addicts brains don't
return to normal. At this time there is NO substantial evidence that drug addiction is in fact a brain disease. There has
been countless studies and millions of taxpayers dollars wasted on research trying to prove that drug addiction is a brain
disease. Why? BIG MONEY!!! Drug addiction is only treatable if it's classified as a disease. How harmful it is to label
everyone who has a behavior problem with the worst possible case of alcohol and drug addiction dependency.
functions. Treatment providers base their claim of excessive drug use as being a chronic incurable brain disease
because through brain scans scientists can measure the damaging effects excessive drug use has on the brains'
function compared to a normal brain. What they don't tell you is that brain scans have also showed that after prolonged
abstinence from excessive drug use the brain will return to normal (with the exception of sever brain damage). The only
way to prove excessive drug use leads to a chronic incurable brain disease is to prove that all addicts brains don't
return to normal. At this time there is NO substantial evidence that drug addiction is in fact a brain disease. There has
been countless studies and millions of taxpayers dollars wasted on research trying to prove that drug addiction is a brain
disease. Why? BIG MONEY!!! Drug addiction is only treatable if it's classified as a disease. How harmful it is to label
everyone who has a behavior problem with the worst possible case of alcohol and drug addiction dependency.
6-Common sense tells us that addiction is a choice, not a disease. Behaviors cannot be diseases. Homosexuality and
heterosexuality refer to behaviors, not to diseases. Drug use is a behavior, not a disease. Going to the church,
synagogue or mosque of your choice is a behavior, not a disease. People struggling with real diseases - heart disease,
diabetes, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and cirrhosis of the liver - have nothing in common with people who selfishly
ingest drugs to avoid coping with problems. They can't choose to abstain from cancer or diabetes. As they say in AA,
"The first thing to go is the truth." The truth is that drug users complain and lie about how they can't control their
behavior. The truth is there's no such thing as an involuntary behavior. The truth is addicts comparing drug addiction to
people with real diseases is cruel to people with real diseases and they are only deceiving themselves. Anyone with half
a brain would see the difference between a behavior and a real disease.
heterosexuality refer to behaviors, not to diseases. Drug use is a behavior, not a disease. Going to the church,
synagogue or mosque of your choice is a behavior, not a disease. People struggling with real diseases - heart disease,
diabetes, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and cirrhosis of the liver - have nothing in common with people who selfishly
ingest drugs to avoid coping with problems. They can't choose to abstain from cancer or diabetes. As they say in AA,
"The first thing to go is the truth." The truth is that drug users complain and lie about how they can't control their
behavior. The truth is there's no such thing as an involuntary behavior. The truth is addicts comparing drug addiction to
people with real diseases is cruel to people with real diseases and they are only deceiving themselves. Anyone with half
a brain would see the difference between a behavior and a real disease.
3-The DSM IV criterion for diagnosing alcohol dependence requires only one physical symptom that is a result of drinking
too much, which is alcohol withdrawal. Following this logic, if a person smokes cigarettes they do not have a problem, but
when they stop smoking and go through nicotine withdrawal, they are then diseased. Yet, most treatment professionals
seem oblivious to these blatant contradictions. (Keep in mind that cigarette smoking is not a disease according to DSM
IV, although it causes far more health problems than does the use of alcohol and all other drugs combined.)
too much, which is alcohol withdrawal. Following this logic, if a person smokes cigarettes they do not have a problem, but
when they stop smoking and go through nicotine withdrawal, they are then diseased. Yet, most treatment professionals
seem oblivious to these blatant contradictions. (Keep in mind that cigarette smoking is not a disease according to DSM
IV, although it causes far more health problems than does the use of alcohol and all other drugs combined.)
Something to Think About:
A true disease requires definite pathologic markers that clearly differentiate normal from abnormal. An example of a real disease is heart
disease in which arteries are blocked, cancer in which abnormal cells can be seen on biopsy, and hypothyroidism in which there are typical
symptoms of fatigue, weakness, puffy face, dry skin, cold body temperature and abnormal lab values. By Jeffrey Dach MD
disease in which arteries are blocked, cancer in which abnormal cells can be seen on biopsy, and hypothyroidism in which there are typical
symptoms of fatigue, weakness, puffy face, dry skin, cold body temperature and abnormal lab values. By Jeffrey Dach MD