re: Is alcoholism a disability? Steve Sarkisian thinks so....

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The media is quick to label mass-murderers/shooters as mentally ill.

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I would say that many of them are. Delusion is after all classified as a mental disorder.

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I understand your frustration, but how do you suggest moving forward with different distinctions so the stigma is removed?

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The problem is that people form opinions because they don't have these behaviors and tendencies. Often they are ignorant as to what promotes these actions, and simply see it as a form of weakness.

We used to have insane asylums in this country, but many of their treatments were considered inhumane. So instead of treating people who can't control themselves properly, we lock them up for good.

I think that there are interventions that can work, but it requires identifying problems at an early age. Once you determine that you have a particular issue, you can then take actions to minimize your risks before you develop a reoccurring behaviors.

Unfortunately, it may not be as simple as that. As I mentioned in another post, our mental states are influenced by a wide variety of variables. We are starting to understand that disease isn't always as simple as treating one of these conditions. Instead, you have to make numerous adjustments in order to achieve a successful outcome. One example of this is people who are treated for drugs or alcohol abuse and months later are found to now be compulsive gamblers. There is something that their brain is searching for, and will replace it with other stimuli even if they are able to withhold from the perceived problem.