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Review
. 1991 Jul-Sep;26(3):200-10.
doi: 10.1007/BF02912511.

Is alcoholism a disease? A critical review of a controversy

I Maltzman  1
Affiliations
Review

Is alcoholism a disease? A critical review of a controversy

I Maltzman. Integr Physiol Behav Sci. 1991 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Commentators have repeatedly attacked the traditional view that alcoholism is a disease. Their arguments that alcoholism is a central aspect of life, a deviant life style, or a form of learned behavior are examined in the light of the history and philosophy of medicine as well as current bio-behavioral research. Our conclusion is that alcoholism, as a lawful pattern of observable signs and symptoms that deviate significantly from a norm of health, is a bio-psychosocial disease.

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