Arielle Cruz
Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, has been recognised as a disease by many organisations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1956. The AMA's work was at the forefront of changing how the court system viewed and treated those who cannot control their alcohol consumption. The AMA's policy states that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases and that their treatment is a legitimate part of medical practice. The AMA further endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism under both psychiatric and medical sections in 1991. While alcoholism and addiction have been recognised as diseases, there is still some debate, with critics arguing that this characterisation undermines a person's ability to choose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of recognition | 1956 |
| Organization | American Medical Association (AMA) |
| Type of recognition | Classified alcoholism as a disease |
| Court involvement | U.S. Supreme Court referenced AMA's policy in a 1966 case |
| Subsequent developments | In 1987, AMA classified addiction as a disease; in 1991, AMA endorsed dual classification of alcoholism under psychiatric and medical sections |
| Other supporters | American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Psychiatric Association, American Hospital Association, American Public Health Association, National Association of Social Workers, American College of Physicians, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) |
| Criticisms | Some critics argue that this characterization undermines personal choice and provides a convenient justification |
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What You'll Learn
The AMA's 1956 resolution
The American Medical Association (AMA) classified alcoholism as a disease in 1956. This classification was a significant development that marked the acceptance of the 'disease concept of alcoholism' among the medical profession. The 1956 resolution urged that alcoholics be admitted to general hospitals for care, recognising that alcoholism was a "major medical problem".
The disease theory of alcoholism proposes that problem drinkers are incapable of returning to 'normal' problem-free drinking, and therefore, treatment should focus on total abstinence. This theory has been supported by scientific research, which has revealed the complex nature of addiction and the role of genetics and brain chemistry in the development of alcoholism. However, the disease theory is not without criticism, as some argue that it undermines personal agency and provides a convenient justification for addictive behaviours.
The AMA's resolution had a lasting impact on the approach to alcoholism treatment and policy. In the following decades, medical organisations, including the AMA, collaborated to establish further policies regarding their positions on the disease theory of alcoholism. The AMA's 1987 policy, formed through the consensus of state and specialty medical societies, endorsed the proposition that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases requiring medical treatment. This policy played a role in facilitating third-party reimbursement for alcoholism treatment.
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The AMA's 1987 policy
The American Medical Association (AMA) has played a pivotal role in shaping the perception of alcoholism as a disease. While the AMA had previously acknowledged alcoholism as a "major medical problem" in 1956, it was in 1987 that the organization took a significant step forward by explicitly classifying addiction as a disease. This decision was driven by the consensus of the federation of state and specialty medical societies within the AMA's House of Delegates.
The 1987 policy statement asserted, "The AMA endorses the proposition that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases, and that their treatment is a legitimate part of medical practice." This recognition was pivotal as it facilitated third-party reimbursement for treatment, which had previously been challenging to obtain unless alcoholism was categorized as a disease. The policy also underscored the legitimacy of addressing alcoholism and addiction through medical intervention, marking a shift from viewing these issues solely as moral failings or matters of personal choice.
The AMA's policy had a profound impact on how alcoholism and addiction were understood and addressed. It influenced not only the medical community but also legal and social perspectives. For example, in the Traynor v. Turnage case of 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court referenced the AMA's policy when ruling in favor of two veterans who sued the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for denying them an extension to use their educational benefits under the GI Bill due to their alcoholism. The court's opinion reflected the AMA's stance, recognizing alcoholism as a legitimate medical condition that warranted accommodation under the Rehabilitation Act.
While the AMA's 1987 policy was a pivotal moment, the understanding and treatment of alcoholism and addiction continue to evolve. The complex nature of addiction, involving genetic, environmental, and social factors, presents ongoing challenges and opportunities for research and intervention. As scientific knowledge advances, so do our approaches to prevention, treatment, and support for individuals and communities affected by these conditions.
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The AMA's influence on the court system
The American Medical Association (AMA) has had a significant influence on the court system, particularly in shaping how the legal system views and treats alcoholism.
In 1956, the AMA designated alcoholism as a "major medical problem", urging that alcoholics be admitted to hospitals for care. This marked a shift in the medical community's perception of alcoholism, now seen as a disease requiring treatment. The AMA's policy influenced a 1966 Supreme Court case, Budd v. California, which questioned whether it was constitutional for the state to punish someone suffering from alcoholism. While the majority decided not to consider the case, Justice Abe Fortas dissented, referencing the AMA's 1956 policy on treating alcoholism as a disease.
The AMA's stance on alcoholism as a disease was further solidified in the 1980s and 1990s, with the association endorsing policies that classified alcoholism as a legitimate medical condition. This classification had important legal implications, as it impacted how courts addressed cases involving alcoholics. For instance, in 1988, the AMA filed an amicus brief in the case of Traynor v. Turnage, where two veterans sued the Department of Veterans Affairs for denying them educational benefits due to alcoholism. The Supreme Court sided with the veterans, agreeing with the AMA's position that alcoholism was a physical or mental disorder and that the Rehabilitation Act should include people with alcoholism.
The AMA has also been influential in other areas of the law, including medical privacy, transgender rights, patient disability rights, HIV patients' rights, and the Affordable Care Act. The association actively advocates for patients' access to care, lobbying for laws and regulations that protect patients' rights and enhance their access to healthcare services. The AMA Litigation Center provides legal assistance to physicians and advances AMA policies through the court system, ensuring that the association's stance on key medical issues is represented in legal decisions.
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The AMA's 1988 amicus brief
The American Medical Association (AMA) has played a pivotal role in shaping how alcoholism is understood and treated. In 1956, the AMA designated alcoholism as a "major medical problem", urging hospitals to admit alcoholics for care and marking a significant shift in the medical profession's perception of alcoholism as a disease. This stance was referenced by Justice Abe Fortas in the 1966 Supreme Court case, Budd v. California, which considered whether it was constitutional for California to punish an individual suffering from alcoholism.
The AMA's influence extended further in 1988, when the organization filed an amicus brief in the case of Traynor v. Turnage. The case concerned two veterans who sued the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for denying them an extension to use their educational benefits under the GI Bill due to their primary alcoholism. The VA had defined alcoholism as "willful misconduct", excluding it from the Rehabilitation Act. However, the AMA's amicus brief played a pivotal role in the Supreme Court's decision to side with the veterans. The court ruled that Congress intended to include individuals with alcoholism within the Rehabilitation Act, allowing them to receive extensions for their benefits.
The AMA's amicus brief in Traynor v. Turnage was not an isolated incident but part of a broader effort by the organization to shape policies and legal interpretations of alcoholism. The AMA's policies, formed through consensus among state and specialty medical societies, played a crucial role in establishing alcoholism as a disease. The policies stated: "The AMA endorses the proposition that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases, and that their treatment is a legitimate part of medical practice." This stance was solidified in 1991 when the AMA endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism under both psychiatric and medical sections of the International Classification of Diseases.
The AMA's recognition of alcoholism as a disease carried significant implications for treatment approaches. The disease theory often implies that problem drinkers are unable to return to 'normal' drinking patterns, and thus, treatment should focus on total abstinence. This perspective influenced not only medical practices but also legal interpretations, as evidenced by the Traynor v. Turnage case. The AMA's efforts helped shape a more compassionate and effective response to alcoholism, ensuring that those struggling with alcohol dependence received the necessary care and legal protections.
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The AMA's dual classification
The American Medical Association (AMA) classified alcoholism as a disease in 1956. In 1987, the AMA further endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism by the International Classification of Diseases under both psychiatric and medical sections. This classification was developed because third-party reimbursement for treatment was difficult or impossible unless alcoholism was categorized as a disease. The policies of the AMA, formed through a consensus of the federation of state and specialty medical societies within their House of Delegates, state, in part: "The AMA endorses the proposition that drug dependencies, including alcoholism, are diseases and that their treatment is a legitimate part of medical practice."
Furthermore, the dual classification helps to destigmatize alcoholism and addiction by recognizing them as legitimate medical conditions. This can encourage people struggling with alcoholism to seek help without fear of judgement or shame. It also reinforces the idea that alcoholism is a treatable condition, and that recovery is possible with appropriate medical care and support.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Medical Association (AMA) recognized alcoholism as a disease in 1956.
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by increasing alcohol consumption to achieve the same effects and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of alcohol intake. It severely impacts physical and mental health and causes problems in various aspects of life, including family, work, and finances.
The AMA's policy, formed through the consensus of state and specialty medical societies, played a crucial role in shaping how the court system viewed and treated individuals struggling with alcohol control. The AMA designated alcoholism as a "major medical problem," urging the admission of alcoholics into hospitals for care.
Since the AMA's recognition of alcoholism as a disease in 1956, there has been a growing consensus among health and addiction experts that it is a chronic disease. The AMA further endorsed the classification of addiction as a disease in 1987 and endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism under both psychiatric and medical sections in 1991, emphasizing the complexity of the condition.
