Alcoholism is a serious and dangerous disease, affecting not only the victim, but family and friends as well.

In Dave Nagle’s case, it could have affected the entire state of Iowa.

Until Friday, Nagle was a candidate in the Democratic primary race for the United States Senate.

Nagle was running in spite of his well-publicized previous bouts with alcoholism. According to The Des Moines Register, he “portrayed his decision to run as an act of courage.”

But Friday night, Nagle was arrested for public intoxication in Cedar Rapids, proving it takes more than a public commitment to truly put an end to this disease.

Alcoholism affects people all over our country. At least 8.1 million Americans are alcoholics, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and up to 13.8 million have at least some problems with alcohol.

And, at least 43 percent of all Americans, nearly 76 million people “have been exposed to alcoholism in the family,” according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services calls alcoholism “the nation’s number one health problem.”

There is no cure for alcoholism, but with professional treatment and caring support, it can be kept under control, and its victims can certainly go on to live happy, successful lives.

So it’s not surprising that Iowans in and running for public office would have had experience with alcoholism.

People who have overcome the disease deserve our respect and admiration. Former alcoholics running for office should be treated no differently than their opponents.

But the disease needs to be under control before a candidate throws his or her hat in the ring.

Alcoholism tears families apart, and it could have wreaked havoc on the state of Iowa if Nagle had been elected to the Senate.

Dave Nagle needs as much support as he can get, from those close to him and people around the state, as he battles his disease.

Hopefully, he will be able to recover and serve the public in some capacity again.

But, if all you possible politicos out there have a problem with alcohol, please, kick the habit before you try to nationally represent our state.