I think most experts believe there is some sort of genetic / biological component which plays a role in alcoholism. The external factors which seem to be associated with it aren't a barrel of laughs either (correct me if things have moved on, I studied this very briefly 5 years ago!). I don't think people like you or me who are lucky enough not to have problems with alcohol can really understand how someone with a problem reacts to drink. In practical terms (and I'm being deliberately callous!) if an alcoholic is cared for and recuperates then there's a chance we can get them contributing back to society, fat chance of same happening to a batty old dear. Finally, and please remember I'm being flippant here, by your logic you wouldn't treat someone with AIDS because they probably had sex without a condom or treat a broken leg because they went out and fell over when they didn't really need to leave the house at all - Except you wouldn't say that because you don't have the same sorts of prejudices against the people suffering from those illnesses. PS - I know we really agree that everyone should be treated in an ideal world!