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Recent developments in alcoholism:substance and symbol

H F Stein1

  • 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
PubMed
Summary
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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.

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  • 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.