Are alcoholism and drug addiction REALLY diseases?

Published July 8, 2010

Question by lily: Are alcoholism and drug addiction REALLY diseases?
Or is this just an excuse for bad choices? Or are we trying to legalize and give credibility to social problems?

If nicotine addiction is the hardest one to overcome, why isn’t it treated more seriously?

Best answer:

Answer by smokingun
They are as much diseases as any psychological disease can be called that. Nicotine addiction is tough, but it isn’t treated more seriously because it does not pose an immediate threat to your life. Yes, cigarettes could cause cancer… but they are legal and you choose to consume them, at that point the addiction is a moot point. Someone who is determined to quit can quit, and there are plenty of mechanisms in place to help. Of course, as far as I know, there is no such thing as a 12-step program for cigarette quitters… they tend not to ruin your life or the lives of those around you, until you do finally get cancer.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!