Why do substance abuse programs say that EVERYONE is an addict, even those who’ve never used drugs?

Published October 18, 2010

Question by Frey: Why do substance abuse programs say that EVERYONE is an addict, even those who’ve never used drugs?
I used to know a woman who ran a substance abuse program, and she’d always tell anyone (even those who hadn’t asked) that “all people are addicts, it’s just that some haven’t started using yet.” How can anyone be addicted to a substance that has never entered their body? It makes absolutely no sense to me, and I don’t believe it, but I want to know why this is what the substance abuse recovery people are teaching. (This woman also said that “I don’t want to” is not a valid reason for NOT doing drugs. Doesn’t it make sense that if you never choose to start, you’ll never have to worry about quitting?)

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