>Actually you can argue all day as to whether alcoholism is a disease.
>
>What matters is that it tends to do well from specific treatment, often starting with an intervention to get people to put their first foot over the line.
>
>Can people take the first step themselves?

First step to what? Absolute sobriety?

How's that working for Robin Williams?

Maybe the type of person that feels down about themselves and wants to drink to feel better, doesn't need your finger in their face telling them to live up to standards typically reserved for Saints (who still drink wine with little bits of crackers).