You must treat Depression to treat alcoholism. Depressives are emotionally delusional and can even reach psychotic stages,especially when alcohol is consumed. To hold Depressives responsible for dysfunctional emotions is quite difficult and when episodic and psychotic states are reached-well forget about ethics.

Even though I disagree with you about what makes someone an alcoholic,I can't help but feel a fondness for you because of your resemblance to Truman Capote-the great (BIPOLAR) writer who unfortunately died of an alcohol related illness. Sincerely,David

Dear Harris:
Very well said: alcoholics have a disease and it is not "their fault". Nevertheless, the disease is destructive of not only the sufferer but many others in society and society itself. But, as you well know, there is a solution--a daily reprieve from the disease for those who seek and work for it. We need to encourage more to seek and find recovery.

David: It is simply not correct that one must treat depression to trat alcoholism. Alcoholism is a discrete disease. Although alcohol is a depressant and most alcoholics are therefore depressed while drinking, the majority do not suffer from depression as a separate illness. Thus, they need treatment for their alcoholism, not for depression.

As for those who are co-morbid, there is no way to treat an alcoholic depressive without "first" getting rid of the alcohol. Thereafter the depression can be treated. many alcoholics who think of themselves as depressed have it lift when they stop drinking and begin to repair their lives and discontinue drunken behaviors that adversely impact their self esteem.

Drinking is a by-product of Depression. Depression makes a person emotionally dysfunctional which makes them desire drugs. People destroying their lives with alcohol is just one of the many unethical acts at a Depressives disposal. Once Depressives drop one vice the simply pick up another which may be considered more socially acceptable like overeating for example.

Sincerely,David

I have been in the field of addiction for 16 years and I have been trained in several diffrent models. To me it does not make a diffrence if it is called a disease or people making poor choices. Lets face it people who is addicted to any substances will probally make poor choices. I belive in harm reduction and behavior modifcation. I have learn to use more then one model when working with clients. The courts are attemting to notice that they should take a better look at how they have to deal with client's who commit crimes while they are high or drunk and that is why drug courts are popping up across the USA. I talk about it in my new book http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/godareyoumadatme.html Remember we must meet the client where they are at not where we want them to be.
Harold Longs

David:
Your view of alcoholics, depression and alcoholism is inaccurate, incorrect, unsupported and emotionally destructive.

First, it is not true that drinking is a by product of depression. It is true that SOME depressives medicate themselves with alcohol because they are unaware of the destructive nature of alcohol. Howver, many--indeed, most--alcoholics do not also suffer from depression.

Second, drinking by an alcoholic is not an "unethical act." Alcoholics have a biological brain disease, and a pyschosocial disease that disables them from refraining from drinking. For alcoholics, drinking is not an issue of morality, ethics, willpower, etc. It is a craving brought on by disease, and a disability to stop once started, by reason of brain dysfunction.
It is a great disservice to seriously sick poeple to label them "unethical." Indeed, it is unethical in my opinion for an obviously uninformed person such as yourself to spout off in a way that may be harmful to alcoholics seeking help on these boards for their illness.
As for Depressives, it is true that SOME untreated suffering depressives move from booze to overeating. However, that is hardly a necessary outcome. Many many Depressives react very well to pharmacology (i.e., prescription medicine) and/or Cognitive Behavorial therapy and other interventions. For example, mild depression is sometimes lifted by an exercvise program and dietary changes, including fish oil.

I wish you well in finding recovery from your issues, but do not suggest that alcoholism is not a sepaarte disease: it is and people can find recovery from it, just as Depressives can be recovered from Depression.

I certainly have no intent on being ''emotionally destructive''. I find it interesting you believe I have such powers.

It's odd you think people are born to crave a man made substance.I do believe people are born with mental illness which makes them crave brain altering chemicals,which helps them minimize or momentarily escape the mental anguish,brought on by Depression.

Concerning Depression- in my response I meant if the Depression goes untreated people simply jump to another vice. There are many wonderful drugs which can treat Depression to varying degrees of success.

Concerning unethical behavior -Of course harming yourself is unethical,not to mention the predictable behavior that follows. But I agree we should call It something different like ''Depressive unethics'' which is a Depressive medicating a brain condition(Depression) which could be considered ethical; while simultaneously committing unethical acts.

Sincerely,David

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