Is drug addiction a legitimate disease, or just a convenient excuse?

I have witnessed addiction, that is clearly legitimate. My brother was literally unable to stop, his body wouldn't let him. He hated drinking, he hated alcohol, it ruined his entire life, yet he still would chug a pint of vodka daily...I don't wanna get deep into it, it's a lot of bad memories, but it was no excuse, he ended up in 2 month rehab finally.

He's 4 months sober now.

Drug addiction is a cop-out. We know enough about drugs to stay away from them but some people just won't do it. I never feel sorry for addicts and I never will unless it is a kid who was born one or who was given drugs before they were old enough to know better.

I had friends die from drugs, lose everything from drugs and I still feel the same. I've done tons of drugs but I always new when to walk away.

Addiction by definition is a compelling disorder. Some drugs are so addictive there is no more than a small statistical chance of escape even in the best treatment programs. That being said, not all drug users are physically addicted, and of those who are most are not so deeply trapped they are unable to break the habit.

The answer to the question, then, is that in some cases addiction is a legitimate disease, in others not.

Some people are more sensitive to getting adicted. It is important that you get to know yourself, find your own boundaries. And stop, instead of crossing them.

But things like peer pressure makes people cross the boundaries. I think an addiction is a dissease when your body needs it. Like when you get addicted to heroin.

And your body gets severe problems if you just stop cold turkey.

While I respect your opinion nightwork, I disagree. We all know drugs are bad for us, but I don't believe it's a cop out. I know plenty of once responsible people who have since tumbled down the rabbit hole of addiction and lost great jobs, amazing homes, and now live paying rent by the week in seedy motels.

Not something I'd cop out to unless I was seriously ill in mind and body.

Drug addiction is and illness of the mind and the body unlike a disease where the body alone is affected. There are two affects of addiction that descibe the illness one is the insanity to countiue to drink even though drinking causes much pain. The other is that addicts once they start they cannot stop no matter how bad they want too once taking a drink or drug the caving drives the addict.

People without the illness can drink and stop taking some money home this is not so with the addict he drinks untill the money is gone and beyond. Many will not except that addiction is not just a moral issuse there thousands maybe millions who will tell you the strong desire they have to stop because of pain and lost but canot. I was one of those five years ago but with the Care of God and others and treatment throught the twelve steps I continue to stay sober one day at a time.

The main reason is that I have been condition to not take the frist drink. This is the key for every addict to be treated untill you can resist the frist drink or drug the illness cannot be triggered without the substance,once the substance is ingested the insanity takes over. I know my own experience with addiction and in recovery, just for today I will not drink or drug to God be the glorly,and the 12 steps being the treatment along with the help of others addicts addiction can be overcome ond day at a time.

In most cases,addiction is a behaviorally treatable disease over time. - Duddy.

I have addictions in so many aspects of my life with my family and such close friends :( It is a disease truly. However, there is a point where an addict refuses to admit they have a disease, and it becomes one solid excuse after another. It's a terrible thing that I personally believe stems down to mental willpower and believing in yourself and having faith!

To be honest, Drug Addiction is both a legitimate condition (not disease) and also a scapegoat and cop out (in many cases). The 'Wide World Of Drugs' is a big place and one you get too far in it can be extremely challenging to escape.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.