There seem to be two opposing opinions about addictions in general.
1. The disease or illness theory. AA described alcoholism as an "illness" in 1939, with support fro leading physicians and religious figures of the day (including Carl Yung, the psychiatrist). In 1956 the AMA classified alcoholism as a disease.
2. Alcoholism is due to character deficiencies, lack of willpower, sin, etc.
My own experience and opinion is it doesn't accomplish much to argue the proof or to disprove these theories. What matters is that the individual with the problem get help.
AA describes the condition as a physical, mental and spiritual malady. It the sets down a 12 step program for recovery. This program draws from medicine and ancient religious precepts.
One thing I know for certain is that AA saves lives, marriages, families, careers, and restores the sanity of problem drinkers. For drinking one's self to death is a form of insanity.