Alcoholism: Is It a Disease?

I was very much impressed by the letter of Jess Money, “Alcoholism is the Result of a Conscious Decision.”

It has long been a fad to treat various human failings as “diseases,” usually also considered hereditary and incurable. For that reason, those attending various “anonymous” rehabilitation groups follow a ritual of announcing, for example, “My name is John Smith and I’m an alcoholic.”

Since the person attending has, by his attendance, already taken at least one step toward his rehabilitation, I suggest a closer approach to reality by having those attending say, “My name is John Smith and I’m learning self-discipline.”

DON L. HEAD

Los Angeles