The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Ask Dr. Bob

QUESTION
A Midwestern gentleman in his forties, disappointed in the treatment success of his wife, inquires, "Although the counseling staff says alcoholism is a 'proven genetic disease,' my wife is not making any progress in treatment. I think this is more of a psychological imbalance. What are the facts?"


ANSWER
This is a very good question and one that perplexes many physicians as well! For basic understanding of the "disease", please refer to an earlier Dr. Bob Q/A (June 2001) which discusses the disease in terms of current biochemical knowledge and may be helpful.

The difficulty many of us have with the "disease" concept is that what we see, and are confronted with, is the dysfunctional behavior of the alcoholic person, and not the biology of the disease itself. These psychological symptoms, such as manipulation, lying, distorting, denying, blaming, albi-ing, etc., are either the results of the search for drugs and alcohol, the effects of the drugs themselves, or the defensive maneuvers (defense mechanisms) used by the individual to avoid responsibility for, or acceptance of, their addiction!

It may at first glance be difficult to accept this concept but don't make it your rallying cry! Instead try to accept the condition as something your wife does not want, and did not she seek out! It happened, she doesn't want it anymore than you want it for her. Work together to overcome this disease!

Good Luck!!
Dr. Bob



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Disclaimer

Dr. Bob does not provide specific medical advice or a medical diagnosis for any particular condition described, nor verify the authenticity of any information described in the questions presented. Patients should always consult their physician to discuss any specific symptoms, conditions, or modes of therapy for any particular mental or physical difficulties, diseases or conditions.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

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