---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Explain to me, if you will, why…"
description: "\"“Explain to me, if you will, why alcoholism is a disease but can only be treated by attending little spiritual meetings in basements.”\" — Vicki Covington"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/26b/vicki-covington-29699_alcoholism_explain-to-me-if-you-will-why-alcoholism_1118301.jpg"
---

#  Explain to me, if you will, why alcoholism is a disease…

![“Explain to me, if you will, why alcoholism is a disease but can only be treated by attending little spiritual meetings in basements.” quote by Vicki Covington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/26b/vicki-covington-29699_alcoholism_explain-to-me-if-you-will-why-alcoholism_1118301.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/26b/vicki-covington-29699_alcoholism_explain-to-me-if-you-will-why-alcoholism_1118301.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/26b/vicki-covington-29699_alcoholism_explain-to-me-if-you-will-why-alcoholism_1118301.jpg)

> ““Explain to me, if you will, why alcoholism is a disease but can only be treated by attending little spiritual meetings in basements.””

[Vicki Covington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vicki-covington/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Alcoholism is framed as a disease, yet treatment often relies on community‑based spiritual gatherings that provide support and meaning beyond medical care.

**In simple terms:** Alcoholism is a disease treated by spiritual groups.

Key Takeaway

Seek support in community groups.

Themes

addiction health community spirituality

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

- recovery programs
- self‑help meetings
- faith‑based groups
- peer counseling

Key Concepts

disease model social support meaning-making

Questions to Reflect On

- How does community support influence recovery?
- Can secular alternatives be equally effective?

A Different Perspective

Spiritual meetings may not address underlying medical or psychological needs for everyone.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Alcoholism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alcoholism/) [Disease](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disease/)

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## More by Vicki Covington

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