Edward A. Dreyfus

Alcoholism was originally labeled a disease in order to convince alcohol abusers that they had a serious problem and should seek help, Edward A. Dreyfus asserts in the following viewpoint. However, he maintains, now the disease metaphor is being overused and wrongly applied to such behaviors as overeating, smoking, and drinking. Further, he argues that increasing numbers of alcoholics and others with compulsive disorders and substance abuse problems are beginning to think that they are sick and are seeking medical rather than the psychological help they need. Edward A. Dreyfus is a clinical psychologist in private practice in California.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the author’s opinion what does the disease model fail to take into account about compulsive behavior"
2. Why is the disease model inappropriate for compulsive...