How can alcoholism be a disease?

Alcoholism: Alcoholism has been described as a "mental obsession that causes a physical compulsion to drink." people keep drinking despite clear harm to themselves, their health, their relationships, and other life roles. Once drinking, it is no longer a choice. Alcohol also has severe effects on the body: http://www.Niaaa.Nih.Gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body all this qualifies as a disease.

Many reasons: Like heart disease ; diabetes, alcoholism is due to genes ; poor life style choices- diet, no exercise, smoking. Genetics are 50% responsible. Children of alcoholics are 8 x more likely to become alcoholics. Alcoholism is a brain disease. Evidence shows altered neurotransmitter response to alcohol. If one of your family members is alcoholic, you risk surprise addiction to a prescribed pain pill.