Essay on Alcoholism: Disease or Behavior. Paper must be at least 2000 words. This paper analyses various arguments in favor and against alcoholism as a disease and behavioral problem. Nobody has any doubt or second opinions about the consequences of alcoholism. However, people have different opinions while defining alcoholism. This is because of the fact that the reasons for alcoholism are still unknown or the medical experts, psychologists and sociologists have different views in their perceptions about alcoholism. Medical science has contrasting views about alcoholism. Physicians consider alcoholism as a disease whereas psychologists and sociologists consider it as a behavioral problem. Many people argue that alcoholism is labeled as a physical disease only to exploit the commercial side of alcoholism. American medical association (AMA) declared alcoholism as a disease around 55 years before. Now AMA thinks that alcoholism has dual nature. elements of disease and behavioral problems can be witnessed in alcoholism. Some of the modern theories argue that alcoholism is a disease caused by the some of the dysfunctions of brain. Alcoholism has several stages. In the first stage it appears as a behavioral problem or defense mechanism to escape from emotional problems and stresses. During the second stage, alcoholism may appear in more severe form than in the first stage. At this stage the drinker knows about the consequences of his behavior and will make unsuccessful efforts to get rid of his drinking behavior. During the third sage, the drinker may become more problematic and he may lose control of his drinking habits. The conversion of alcoholism from a behavioral problem to a disease may begin at this stage. During the fourth stage, alcoholism may become chronic and it can be considered as a disease from here onwards.