The disease is often progressive and fatal. It represents the sum of the abnormal phenomena displayed by a group of individuals. These phenomena are associated with a specified common set of characteristics by which these individuals differ from the norm, and which places them at a disadvantage. Alcoholism causes premature death through overdose, organic complications involving the brain, liver, heart and many other organs, and by contributing to suicide, homicide, motor vehicle crashes, and other traumatic events. The relative value thus assigned to alcohol by the individual often leads to a diversion of energies away from important life concerns.
Denial becomes an integral part of the disease and a major obstacle to recovery.
Top of Page - Index Stanton Peele Addiction can only be understood in experiential terms. People are addicted when they pursue activities relentlessly and sacrifice other life alternatives to this pursuit, and when they cannot face existence without this involvement. Addiction must be understood in relation to an experience. This experience is defined, in part, by the nature of the substance or the involvement. Gambling produces an experience similar to the stimulant drugs, as does sexual excitement.