Evangelical claims on health provocative

Evangelical claims on health provocative Peter gott, M.D.

PETER GOTT

Reader implies to Dr. Gott that alcoholism is not a disease but a choice.

United Media

Dear Dr. Gott: Regarding alcoholism, is it really a disease? If it is a disease, it's the only one that:

- Is contracted by an act of will.

- Requires a license to propagate it.

- Is bottled and sold.

- Requires an outlet to spread it.

- Produces revenue for the government.

- Is habit-forming.

- Is spread by advertising.

- Leads to fines and jailing.

- Brings death on the highways.

- Is without a causative germ or virus.

- Has no corrective medicine.

- Bars the abuser from heaven.

Dear Reader: Ordinarily, I don't print overwhelmingly evangelical letters or comments from readers, regardless of their faiths, unless their views relate to important medical issues.

I am, however, printing part of your correspondence because it is provocative and, I believe, it raises some questions that need to be resolved.

Not all of what you say has merit. Alcoholism is not exclusively a disorder of "will"; does not require an "outlet"; is not the only noninfectious disease; does have corrective medicine (therapy); and may (or may not) bar a sufferer from an afterlife.

What I am reading in your comments is that alcohol use is actively endorsed by the government and the beverage industry, often leads to serious consequences (both for the users and those in their environments) and is, unfortunately, under-treated.

I believe that alcoholism is a disease, possibly even a genetic condition, that is challenging because most active alcoholics don't want to get well (by abstaining). And even those who do may not stick to sobriety. The reasons for this are complex. (Or may be simple: "I don't want to stop drinking. Get lost.")

In any case, alcoholism is certainly a national epidemic. Treatment with professional intervention (counseling and medication) and support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous) can make an enormous difference - once the alcoholic admits to the problem and is able to reach out for help. This is one area in which the family physician can be really helpful by being the member of an early intervention team and overseeing a detoxification program that involves acute care as well as post-acute resources. Whether an alcoholic will be barred from heaven is not a material consideration. Whether he or she is prepared for treatment and is willing to make a commitment, however, is.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Mental and Substance Abuse." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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