I think alcoholism is as common as DUI’s and not really talked about much. I’m leaning toward walterwhite as far as consumption may have side benefits(in moderation), surprised he has not gotten more heat for this view. It would be interesting to see if Mormon’s or other non alcohol drinkers live longer or have better health in general. I had 2 hard core alcoholic uncles who eventually both died before they were 50. Now I have a half brother who is afflicted. I too have a hard time calling it a disease when it is based on what people voluntarily put into their bodies. I’m sure it does alter metabolic pathways and there are cravings, but it does come down to choice. When I was in the Marine Corps I decided to get drunk one night, so I sat down with 2 pitchers and drank them both, walked back to the barracks,barely, but had not accomplished my goal to drink to the point of passing out. Now when I was in the Corps I did come across a few alcoholics but thankfully I didn’t receive that gene I guess. I will have a couple of beers occasionally and then get tired and quit. Most alcoholic that I’ve know will actually get energized by alcohol, which is a depressant, I guess their bodies are better at burning the alcohol than mine.
