Some people believe that alcoholics are morally, mentally and physically weak.
Others believe that alcoholics have a legitimate, science-based disease. Or, stated another way, an overwhelming majority of alcoholics in American society do not receive any kind of treatment for their problem. They just don't think they have a problem. Yet even for those who can admit to abuse of or dependence on alcohol, opinion is divided on what they should do next. A lot of people are able to change their drinking habits and deal with their problems on their own, using their own resources, community resources, family, friends, and so on.