Alcoholism

Question: It's part of french culture to drink wine often, why isn't this considered alcoholism? ?

(Posted by: hahabiatch55 on 2008-11-13 12:49:26)

It's part of French culture to drink wine often, why isn't this considered alcoholism? ?

Posted by: H S on 2008-11-13, 15:48:58

Because it's not in the u.s. where everyone looks to how money can be made from labeling anything a disease or disorder. The French are rational & embrace as you say, drinking wine often as part of their culture. The culture in the u.s. is all about CAPITALISM. A few people become inebriated drinking wine & cause problems, & over time someone with a good imagination & the right leverage can discover a way to get a vicious cycle started where a few make a living & the rest are patients with a disease........Then, with more corruption added, an organization such as M.A.D.D. can be permitted to organize ; then what used to be a patient with a disorder becomes a perpetrator & perhaps a criminal so more $$ is extracted..

Posted by: Holly on 2008-11-13, 12:55:27

Well it depends on who you ask! If its the cultural norm they would say it isnt. But in the U.S. someone who drinks everyday is considered an alcoholic.

Posted by: Louise C on 2008-11-13, 12:56:54

Becuase the French, like most Europeans, regard drinking alcahol as a part of normal life, not alcaholism. Children are started on watered down wine quite young, to accustom them to it.

Posted by: Charles & Willa on 2008-11-13, 12:57:01

Alcoholism is a disease characterised by excessive consumption of alcohol,such that it interferes with normal functioning of the individual. A person can drink often without drinking excessively.

Posted by: Eoghan. on 2008-11-13, 12:59:46

They drink it with food, it's not drinking for the sake of drinking. It's drinking to enhance the eating experience.

Posted by: Trevor on 2008-11-13, 12:59:56

Alcoholism is defined by a physical addiction not a cultural propensity or preference

Posted by: Furry Guy on 2008-11-13, 13:01:12

How is drinking a glass or two of wine with dinner alcoholism? anyone who thinks that is alcoholism......clearly has never known a true alcoholic.

Posted by: Tracey on 2008-11-13, 13:26:55

Because one can drink wine every day without being an alcoholic. The French generally do not get drunk when they imbibe wine.

Posted by: Kristina on 2008-11-13, 13:43:00

Medical research will show the real impact of alcohol on the French. I heard on the news the other day that all is not so rosey. What we get is the romanticed image of the sophisticated European who leads a balanced and cultured life style. I am cynical.