disease
noun
1. a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavorable environmental factors; illness; sickness; ailment.
Do genetics play a role in alcoholism? the answer is a very clear "yes".
Is the brain incorrectly functioning when someone is dependent on alcohol? the answer is again yes. You can die of delirium tremens if you come off alcohol too fast.
Is alcoholism something that can be medically treated? yes. There are medications to allow someone to safely detox. There are also medications designed to help prevent relapse.
Don't argue that alcoholism isn't a disease in polite, educated company. Especially if they know you are Mormon.
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