"A disease or medical condition is an abnormality of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress to the person afflicted or those in contact with the person."

That's the Wikipedia entry on disease. Alcoholism fits the definition quite well.

We are biological organisms, and our motivations are rooted in biology. Certain substances can radically alter biologic processes and produce different motivations. We see that in the behavior of ants chemically hijacked by a parasite and motivated to climb to the very top of a blade of grass, there to await ingestion by a passing ungulate. A broad array of chemicals are known to alter brain function and with it, motivation.

Some individuals seem to be able to better resist the addicting effects of alcohol than others. Genetics may prove to be a factor.

A better understanding of the specific changes in neurological function wrought by addiction to alcohol will likely lead to biological treatment options. I see traditional psychiatric treatments as a stop-gap measure until science can get to that point.

I've heard your argument about the positive social value of stigma before. I made a video for YouTube last year about prejudice and obesity, and it drew a number of pro-abuse comments. The argument goes, we're "helping" obese people if we shun them, fire them, insult them, attack them, abuse them. We're letting them know that being fat is socially unacceptable, and providing the motivation to get thin. They'll thank us, really.

Funny thing is, that's not how it works out. Obese people become so depressed from ill treatment, they embrace food as the only source of comfort left to them. I suspect the same dynamic may be at work among alcoholics.

You're an expert. I'm a layman. I know there's no chance I'll persuade you. But I suspect time will take care of that. The advancement of medical science will relegate to the historical dust bin all of the psychiatric treatments now employed in alcoholism. And we'll all be better for it.