Tyler Baze - put the whiskey down, son

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Danzig

'Many physicians reject the disease theory of alcoholism. One study found that only 20 percent of physicians believe that substance addiction is a disease. In addition, 55 percent believe that there is "no effective treatment" for it.(T. McLellan. R-Considering Addiction Treatment: How Can Treatment Be More Accountable And Effective? A Continuing Medical Education (CME)Course. Cranston, Rhode Island, Association for Medical Education and Research on Substance Abuse, 2006.)

Another study found that only 25 percent of physicians believed that alcoholism is a disease. The majority believed alcoholism to be a social or psychological problem instead of a disease. (S.I. Mignon. Physicians' Perceptions of Alcoholics: The Disease Concept Reconsidered. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 1996, v. 14, no. 4, pp. 33–4

A survey of physicians at an annual conference of the International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous reported that 80 percent believe that alcoholism is merely bad behavior instead of a disease. (Barrier to Treatment. Alcoholmd - Information About Alcohol and Medicine)

Dr. Thomas R. Hobbs says that "Based on my experiences working in the addiction field for the past 10 years, I believe many, if not most, health care professionals still view alcohol addiction as a willpower or conduct problem and are resistant to look at it as a disease." (T.R. Hobbs. Managing Alcoholism as a Disease. Physician's News Digest, 1998.)

Alcoholics Anonymous says that "Some professionals will tell you that alcoholism is a disease while others contend that it is a choice" and "some doctors will tell you that it is in fact a disease." (Alcoholics Anonymous. What Is Alcoholism? http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.com/...alcoholism.htm)[42]'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease..._of_alcoholism


not trying to change minds here at all. just want to show that it's not a clearcut decision amongst physicians. which probably explains why some of us aren't sure it's so clear cut either.

The medical profession was still considering homosexuality a mental illness in your lifetime, too.

I think what boggles the minds of non-alcoholics is that it seems so simple- just stop drinking, right? But in the mind of an alcoholic it just doesn't work that way.

This is pure woo speculation on my part, but I do think there's a difference in brain wiring for people prone to addiction, and sometimes I wonder if it's more likely in people with a higher tolerance for adrenaline/stress. My dad is amazing in a crisis. Amazing. Calm, clear-headed, insightful. It's everyday life he can't handle.

And when it comes to jockeys, these are men and women who are happy to get on a fragile animal traveling at 30 miles an hour, knowing they are going to break bones several times in their career. You have to be an adrenaline junkie to want to do that.

[dagolfer33]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I do think there's a difference in brain wiring for people prone to addiction, and sometimes I wonder if it's more likely in people with a higher tolerance for adrenaline/stress. My dad is amazing in a crisis. Amazing. Calm, clear-headed, insightful.

I think this could be true, and could explain why pro athletes get caught up in addictions.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I think what boggles the minds of non-alcoholics is that it seems so simple- just stop drinking, right? But in the mind of an alcoholic it just doesn't work that way.

I'm sorry to hear about your personal stories of family members battles with alcoholism, Nicole.

I don't think alcholics can "just stop drinking" unless they're truly tough enough to do it and have a lot to gain by doing it. I think it's ok if they accept what they have and drink in cycles.

Tyler Baze needs to do what Tyler Baze wants to do. If that's to run from the pressure of being a jockey and drink -- it's his life and that is what makes him happy. When he gets to the point where he accepts that he will be happier as a jockey -- he has a comeback attempt to motivate him.

Sorry if my opinion seems or is ignorant.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

The medical profession was still considering homosexuality a mental illness in your lifetime, too.

I think what boggles the minds of non-alcoholics is that it seems so simple- just stop drinking, right? But in the mind of an alcoholic it just doesn't work that way.

This is pure woo speculation on my part, but I do think there's a difference in brain wiring for people prone to addiction, and sometimes I wonder if it's more likely in people with a higher tolerance for adrenaline/stress. My dad is amazing in a crisis. Amazing. Calm, clear-headed, insightful. It's everyday life he can't handle.

And when it comes to jockeys, these are men and women who are happy to get on a fragile animal traveling at 30 miles an hour, knowing they are going to break bones several times in their career. You have to be an adrenaline junkie to want to do that.

i very much agree they have something going on in their heads-i've cautioned my kids that there is addictive behavior in their family history. drinkers, smokers, my loser brother will play world of warcraft all day and all night. i think his kids could spontaneously combust right next to him and he'd never notice. he's made it his life, since he's so unhappy with reality.

[Riot]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

This is pure woo speculation on my part, but I do think there's a difference in brain wiring for people prone to addiction, ....

That's what the medical community thinks. Addiction and/or disease. See Danzigs Wiki source.

[Honu]

There is a point when people are alcoholics that even if they know they should stop they cant. Even if they can make up their mind to do it their body cannot physically do it because it could kill them. Its worse than heroin as far as its toll on the body. I do believe some people are more disposed to addiction than others just like some people's bodies are more prone to illness.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Riot

That's what the medical community thinks. Addiction and/or disease. See Danzigs Wiki source.

That is interesting considering that you insulted another poster just the other day as "an alcoholic loser."