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Recent developments in alcoholism:substance and symbol
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190.
Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|January 1, 1993
Summary
The disease model of alcoholism, while culturally ingrained, may inadvertently perpetuate addiction by framing individuals as out of control. Alternative cultural perspectives on alcohol use are needed.
Area of Science:
- Cultural psychology
- Sociology of substance use
Background:
- Alcohol is a central symbol in American culture.
- Folklore and language surrounding alcohol influence addiction models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cultural underpinnings of the disease model of alcoholism.
- To explore how this model shapes treatment and understanding of alcohol use disorders.
Main Methods:
- Cultural analysis of alcohol-related language and folklore.
- Examination of the psychological mechanisms supporting the disease model.
Main Results:
- The "disease model" of alcoholism mirrors cultural "possession" theories, where a "not-me" state causes loss of control.
- This depersonalization creates a paradox, hindering recovery by requiring control from an "out-of-control" individual.
- Conventional theories homogenize complex alcohol use into a single narrative.
Conclusions:
- The disease model, despite its plausibility, may inadvertently sustain the problems it aims to solve.
- Critiques of current alcoholism metaphors are necessary.
- Alternative cultural metaphors for alcohol use and addiction are proposed.