When did Alcoholism become a disability?

[Pamelita]

Hm... I think you guys are taking this too literally.

The company chose to put that in there, just as can be done with ADD or something not as severe as missing a limb. Alcoholism, like drug addiction and ADD, is not a disability you can claim Social Security moneys from. But in the social service sense (therapists, social workers, etc.), it is considered a disability. Mainly because it's something that hinders someone from performing at their full potential, and in the social work field, needs to be dealt with differently than say, a guy without a job, or a 17 yr. old girl with 3 kids.

[Khamsin]

Well, here's one way to find out if they really have no control and genetics is the final determination of their addiction:

Take some people who have the gene, and offer them a choice between a beer and $1 million and see which they choose.

If the gene controls them and they have no choice, they will choose the beer. No matter how logically they think about it, comparing the value of $1 million to a single beer, they will be unable to choose the money. It will be physically impossible due to the gene.

If they choose the money, that proves that self-control is capable of winning over the gene.

[Fhqwghads]

I know that employers tend to accommodate people with disabilities. Does that mean if I apply to a place that considers alcoholism a disease that they'll accommodate me by installing a wet bar in my office? If so, where do I sign up?

[Khamsin]

I know that employers tend to accommodate people with disabilities. Does that mean if I apply to a place that considers alcoholism a disease that they'll accommodate me by installing a wet bar in my office? If so, where do I sign up?

No, they'll accommodate you by not hiring you. That's why they ask, so they can discriminate.

[Woozie]

I know that employers tend to accommodate people with disabilities. Does that mean if I apply to a place that considers alcoholism a disease that they'll accommodate me by installing a wet bar in my office? If so, where do I sign up?

If they're going to accomodate me, I'm checking the "sex addict" box.

[Selamis]

This can't be how America thinks....it's just, not correct. How is being an alcoholic a disabilty? A disability is something that either affects your physical body or your mental state, being an alcoholic is just a cop out for not being able to cope with certain issues. IMO, that doesn't come remotely close to qualifying for the term disability and the arguement that genetics lead to addictions, I don't buy that either.

If we're going to use that to label things, then why not label eating disorders as disabilities? Or like Greenjade said, addiction to drugs? This is one of the most absurd things I've heard in some time...you don't get a handicapped parking permit because you go home and drink a 24 case of beer by yourself nightly. Rediculous.

[Jefe]

Hm, alcoholism is an addiction. That's because reason is ignored and the addict's only end is to satisfy the addiction. Of course, addictions have detrimental effects either emotionally or physically, and hence, can be considered a disability.

[Gafgarionn]

It's considered a disease because America has become far too politically correct. It's out of control.

But, the real reason is that genetics plays a large role in it. There's not a specific genotype for the alcoholism "disease", but other genes can contribute to it. For example, certain genes may make you more predisposed to taking risks which can lead to drinking and eventually becoming an alcoholic. So, some people are more likely to become alcoholics because of genetics. In that light, one can imagine how it might be considered a disease.

But, it's still a huge cop out. Ultimately self-control should play a larger role in one's life than genetic contribution does (for this case, at least).

With that said, then why isn't being a drug addict considered a disability? It would fall into the same category as a predisposition for it when it comes into genetics. Which would probably allow all sorts of things to be considered a disability. They might as well give everyone a handicap license plate or tag.

As for living in a cave, I wasn't raised to be lazy or find excuses as to why I can't or can work. To me it just sounded like a huge cop out to get free money from the government. *shrug*

Well, I think it is hypocritical for a drug addiction not to be considered in the same way alcoholism is. That is, using the same criteria that is currently used.

[Deejay]

Hm, alcoholism is an addiction. That's because reason is ignored and the addict's only end is to satisfy the addiction. Of course, addictions have detrimental effects either emotionally or physically, and hence, can be considered a disability.

Sorry guys, won't be able to make it into work next week. Have to head out to Vegas to start dealing with my gambling disability.

[Alleya]

Fact: Being an alcoholic would dramatically affect your performance at work. This is the only thing the employer cares about by putting that on there.

Show some respect for the people who struggle with it and don't nitpick about labels.

[Jefe]

Sorry guys, won't be able to make it into work next week. Have to head out to a bar to start dealing with my drinking disability.

Nice try.

[Charla]

Well, here's one way to find out if they really have no control and genetics is the final determination of their addiction:

Take some people who have the gene, and offer them a choice between a beer and $1 million and see which they choose.

If the gene controls them and they have no choice, they will choose the beer. No matter how logically they think about it, comparing the value of $1 million to a single beer, they will be unable to choose the money. It will be physically impossible due to the gene.

If they choose the money, that proves that self-control is capable of winning over the gene.

Try this one: Tell someone that they're going to be given a drug test in a week, and if they can't pass, we'll take a million from them. Oh wait, we already do that. Your scenario ends up differently because it's an immediate choice and not a continuous effort to stop drinking/using/whatevering.

Drug addiction isn't considered a disability in the same way as alcoholism because it's already a crime instead.

[Selamis]

Fact: Being an alcoholic would dramatically affect your performance at work. This is the only thing the employer cares about by putting that on there.

Show some respect for the people who struggle with it and don't nitpick about labels.

Yes it would affect work performance, and people that struggle with it should be given all the support in the world, that's not in question. But I fail to see how it can be labeled as a disability. My grandfather had three bi-passes and a double bi-pass before he passed away a few years back, and also had diabetes. With the combo of diabetes and that he couldn't walk long distances due to his heart condition, he was allowed a handicapped parking permit to make things easier for him. That would make him disabled, as he wasn't able to do certain things he once could. How does being an alcoholic require the same special attention that say a person with a heart condition requires? Or someone missing a limb? Someone paralyzed and in a wheelchair?

[MisterBob]

I was filling out paper work for my new job and one of the forms asked if I had any disabilities which listed a few well known disabilities. But what really caught my attention was they had Alcoholism listed. I asked the Hiring Manager if it was a joke and he told me very seriously that "Alcoholism is a very serious disease, and our company would never joke about that." I sat there and stared at him for a few minutes to see if he'll crack up or w/e but he didn't.

So now seriously is it considered a disability?

How's that cave you've been living in?

Are you seriously comparing alcoholism to something like being physically handicapped due to old age/inability to use certain limbs/or having a disease that WASNT brought on by the person himself? Why not just throw drug users and sexual predators in there? Anything else? I dunno so hard to think of ideas from being in this cave for so long.

I was referring to the fact that this has been going on for ages now, not that I condone it. Jumping the gun ftw.

[Marsala]

Well, here's one way to find out if they really have no control and genetics is the final determination of their addiction:

Take some people who have the gene, and offer them a choice between a beer and $1 million and see which they choose.

If the gene controls them and they have no choice, they will choose the beer. No matter how logically they think about it, comparing the value of $1 million to a single beer, they will be unable to choose the money. It will be physically impossible due to the gene.

If they choose the money, that proves that self-control is capable of winning over the gene.

He would obviously choose the money so he could buy 1million beers later.

[Andarvi]

Everyone who so casually talks about alcoholism as being a choice or saying that the individual as the option to quit seemingly at will must not know any alcoholics. Addiction to alcohol is extremely difficult to quit, just like all addictions, moreso than many of them, and even if one wants to and has the will to do so they may not have the physicial ability at that time to do so. Shit, if I worked in close quarters and had jurisdiction over the hiring process I wouldn't hire smokers either. Fuck their constant smoke breaks throughout the day and the fact they often smell like absolute shit, bad enough to distract me.

Of course I am not advocating hiring a raging alcoholic either because if they are bad enough then there is no way its not going to negatively impact their work. However if one had the credentials and was showing some sort of progress towards rehabilitation, whether it be counseling and such, and was a seemingly good person, I'd definately consider giving them a chance.

[Jefe]

Fact: Being an alcoholic would dramatically affect your performance at work. This is the only thing the employer cares about by putting that on there.

Show some respect for the people who struggle with it and don't nitpick about labels.

Yes it would affect work performance, and people that struggle with it should be given all the support in the world, that's not in question. But I fail to see how it can be labeled as a disability. My grandfather had three bi-passes and a double bi-pass before he passed away a few years back, and also had diabetes. With the combo of diabetes and that he couldn't walk long distances due to his heart condition, he was allowed a handicapped parking permit to make things easier for him. That would make him disabled, as he wasn't able to do certain things he once could. How does being an alcoholic require the same special attention that say a person with a heart condition requires? Or someone missing a limb? Someone paralyzed and in a wheelchair?

Hm, alcoholism is an addiction. That's because reason is ignored and the addict's only end is to satisfy the addiction. Of course, addictions have detrimental effects either emotionally or physically, and hence, can be considered a disability.

Last post here unless provoked, new challenger appears, etc., etc., bye.

[Gafgarionn]

Everyone who so casually talks about alcoholism as being a choice or saying that the individual as the option to quit seemingly at will must not know any alcoholics. Addiction to alcohol is extremely difficult to quit, just like all addictions, moreso than many of them, and even if one wants to and has the will to do so they may not have the physicial ability at that time to do so. Shit, if I worked in close quarters and had jurisdiction over the hiring process I wouldn't hire smokers either. Fuck their constant smoke breaks throughout the day and the fact they often smell like absolute shit, bad enough to distract me.

Of course I am not advocating hiring a raging alcoholic either because if they are bad enough then there is no way its not going to negatively impact their work. However if one had the credentials and was showing some sort of progress towards rehabilitation, whether it be counseling and such, and was a seemingly good person, I'd definately consider giving them a chance.

Addiction is a funny thing. I have a friend that's been smoking for about as long as I have. But, while he is in no way dependent on nicotine, I chain smoke all the time and have a hard time not doing so.

[Khamsin]

Fact: Being an alcoholic would dramatically affect your performance at work. This is the only thing the employer cares about by putting that on there.

Show some respect for the people who struggle with it and don't nitpick about labels.

Yes it would affect work performance, and people that struggle with it should be given all the support in the world, that's not in question. But I fail to see how it can be labeled as a disability. My grandfather had three bi-passes and a double bi-pass before he passed away a few years back, and also had diabetes. With the combo of diabetes and that he couldn't walk long distances due to his heart condition, he was allowed a handicapped parking permit to make things easier for him. That would make him disabled, as he wasn't able to do certain things he once could. How does being an alcoholic require the same special attention that say a person with a heart condition requires? Or someone missing a limb? Someone paralyzed and in a wheelchair?

Well, if you drink enough, you could be on par with a mental retardation handicap, I guess. Or maybe being drunk shares some symptoms with a psychological disorder and impairment of balance, coordination, alertness, etc.

If someone who hasn't drank a drop of alcohol naturally acts the way someone does when drunk (with all accompanying impairments), then they'd be considered handicapped.

The only difference is, for an alcoholic, it's self-induced and a product of free-will and conscious choice, and is therefore unforgivable.

[Greenjade]

Fact: Being an alcoholic would dramatically affect your performance at work. This is the only thing the employer cares about by putting that on there.

Show some respect for the people who struggle with it and don't nitpick about labels.

Yes it would affect work performance, and people that struggle with it should be given all the support in the world, that's not in question. But I fail to see how it can be labeled as a disability. My grandfather had three bi-passes and a double bi-pass before he passed away a few years back, and also had diabetes. With the combo of diabetes and that he couldn't walk long distances due to his heart condition, he was allowed a handicapped parking permit to make things easier for him. That would make him disabled, as he wasn't able to do certain things he once could. How does being an alcoholic require the same special attention that say a person with a heart condition requires? Or someone missing a limb? Someone paralyzed and in a wheelchair?

Well, if you drink enough, you could be on par with a mental retardation handicap, I guess. Or maybe being drunk shares some symptoms with a psychological disorder and impairment of balance, coordination, alertness, etc.

If someone who hasn't drank a drop of alcohol naturally acts the way someone does when drunk (with all accompanying impairments), then they'd be considered handicapped.

The only difference is, for an alcoholic, it's self-induced and a product of free-will and conscious choice, and is therefore unforgivable.

Exactly and whole heartedly agree.