Understanding Alcoholism: A Historical Perspective on Disease

When we talk about alcohol addiction, how often do we think about its roots? Way back in 1784, a groundbreaking figure, Dr. Benjamin Rush, took a bold stance. You see, at that time, the societal view of alcoholism was mostly rooted in moral judgments and personal failings. Rush, however, made a remarkable claim: alcoholism should be seen as a disease. Imagine that—a doctor actually labeling a drinking problem as something more than just a lack of willpower. His perspective was a game-changer, and it’s still echoing in today’s conversations about addiction and recovery.