If we want to reduce harm and promote discussion, such programs need to exist. Alcoholics Anonymous defines alcoholism as a progressive disease that can never be cured, but can be arrested by total abstinence. AA stresses that each drinker must decide whether he or she is an alcoholic. AA has helped millions reach and maintain sobriety through its Twelve-Step Program. While the Twelve Steps emphasize spirituality, AA says there s room for people of all shades of belief and nonbelief.
Abstinence helps to remove the person from triggers that lead to relapse.
Alcoholism has environmental and biological components, and individuals born with a sensitivity to alcohol may experience environmental factors that contribute to its continued use as a coping mechanism. People who cannot moderate their drinking clearly demonstrate the disease of alcohol dependency. Abstinence for them is the treatment of choice. My addiction problems once undermined my professional practice and marriage. I was referred to 12-step programs, but found no relief.