The explanation that seems more sensible to most AA members is that alcoholism is a disease, a progressive disease that cannot be cured but, like many other diseases, can be contained.

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Going even further, many AAs believe that this disease is the combination of a physical allergy to alcohol and an obsession with drinking, regardless of its consequences, and that it is impossible to contain it with willpower alone.

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Some of the brochures published by our community include the definition of alcoholism issued in 1992 by the American Society for Addiction Medicine:

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Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease, with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors that influence its development and its manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal, characterized by a reduced ability to control drinking, an obsessive preoccupation with alcohol, the use of alcohol despite its adverse consequences, and a distorted way of thinking, most notably notable denial. Each of these symptoms can be continuous or periodic.