This question was posed to the American Medical Association:
I have read much on the acceptance of alcoholism as a disease but have always felt that this is a moral or social problem rather than a medical one. I also feel that cirrhosis of the liver and psychosis would more likely have nutritional deficiency basis. Could you tell me what the grounds are for considering alcoholism as a medical illness?
-This was reprinted by: The National Council on Alcoholism
-From: The Journal of the American Medical Association, May 25th, 1957
