Very good article. I have struggled with alcoholism most of my life. I have been hospitalized more times than I can count. Often times, the withdrawl is so severe that it has become life-threatening. Even my doctor warned me that the withdrawl symptoms can actually be more deadly than the addiction. I have lost thousands of dollars, missed time from work and alienated my family and friends. Alcohol has taken a huge toll on my mental health and ability to cope with even the smallest issues. 

There is no effective treatment for alcoholism. I've gone to thousands of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over the years, but stopped going because I find their program to be very abusive. They require total obedience to their religion and those who don't are treated brutally by other members. The success rate of A.A is only about 1%, which is the same for treatment centres and other recovery options. 

Nothing will change until society becomes willing to have an honest discussion about this issue.