: Early medical writers began to classify habitual drunkenness as a "disease," even when it was initiated by a "vicious" act of choice. Reformers like Benjamin Rush argued that victims deserved compassion similar to those afflicted with other maladies.
: Excessive eating, drinking, or sleeping. intemperance
: Compulsive actions like a "terrible shopping habit" or intemperate labor. : Early medical writers began to classify habitual
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, intemperance—specifically regarding alcohol—became a significant focus of social reform and medical study. such as frequent furious outbursts.
: Uncontrolled anger, such as frequent furious outbursts.