Gina
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        I feel that it is by choice that you start drinking; then it's a chemical response from then on as the addiction takes over.  I know first hand that after a certain point, there is no turning back for the true alcoholic. Yes, I believe it is a disease which ultimately will result in going crazy or death, whichever comes first!