Addiction is not a disease — and we’re treating addicts incorrectly

[SLM]

Um, let's not talk about pedophilia, if you don't mind.

 

[petros]

The only thing that really helps is really,really strong mint. That will overpower the 'craving' for some reason.

Lol, I don't ask why, I just pop a mint.

Beer or wine and mint is a no go.

 

[Machjo]

Um, let's not talk about pedophilia, if you don't mind.

Okay, heroin then. Just because it's a disease, the addict still has a responsibility to seek help. If he goes out and robs a bank for his next fix, he's still responsible for his action.

 

[SLM]

Okay, heroin then. Just because it's a disease, the addict still has a responsibility to seek help. If he goes out and robs a bank for his next fix, he's still responsible for his action.

Not the responsibility I was talking about. Disease implies, for many not all, but many, that the addiction is out of their hands, out of their control. The most effective program, 12 step program speaks of giving over control to a 'higher power'. But taking control over the addiction, not just in seeking help, but working to gain control over the addiction is empowering and that is something that gives us strength over the long haul. It's a mindset.

 

[MellencampFan]

Internet, gaming, sex, even eating can become addictive to some people. And yes, it is a disease, but perhaps more of a spiritual disease. It might never go away, but one can learn to control it.

Another argument is that addiction is not a disease but rather a symptom of one.

"Spiritual Disease" wtf?

 

[Walter]

Addiction, like sexuality, is a choice. I am addicted to loving my wife, my children, my God, my parents, driving fast and eating steak.

 

[gerryh]

Addiction, like sexuality, is a choice. I am addicted to loving my wife, my children, my God, my parents, driving fast and eating steak.

I'm curious walter, do you like being perceived as an idiot?

 

[MellencampFan]

Addiction, like sexuality, is a choice. I am addicted to loving my wife, my children, my God, my parents, driving fast and eating steak.

Sexuality a choice? WOW.

Addiction has underlying issues to it, for example Johnny cash's father blame him for the death of his brother, when really it was an saw accident and cash wasnt anywhere near there.

 

[Walter]

I'm curious walter, do you like being perceived as an idiot?

No one would ever think of me as a Liberal(idiot) even if I a addicted to wearing Birkenstocks in the summer.

 

[gerryh]

No one would ever think of me as a Liberal(idiot) even if I a addicted to wearing Birkenstocks in the summer.

I wasn't talking about your political convictions. Just your mental capabilities.

I a addicted to wearing Birkenstocks in the summer.

Oh, so you are a closet gay..... nice of you to finally admit it.

 

[taxslave]

Addiction, like sexuality, is a choice. I am addicted to loving my wife, my children, my God, my parents, driving fast and eating steak.

No wally those are lifestyle choices. Not the same thing.

In your case wally they probably are bad choices so neg yourself.

 

[MellencampFan]

No wally those are lifestyle choices. Not the same thing.

Sexuality is not a choice. I studied Human Sexuality in college. Half of it is in the mind since birth, the other half an be influenced in childhood. That's just half though. Some things are more complicated and not black and white. But the consensus is that homosexuality in a homosexual person is already somewhat there.

 

[Walter]

Sexuality is not a choice. I studied Human Sexuality in college. Half of it is in the mind since birth, the other half an be influenced in childhood. That's just half though. Some things are more complicated and not black and white. But the consensus is that homosexuality in a homosexual person is already somewhat there.

And a college course knows and tells all there is about any subject.

 

[MellencampFan]

And a college course knows and tells all there is about any subject.

This is post-secondary education, and there was an entire unit on different sexualities.

 

[Walter]

This is post-secondary education, and there was an entire unit on different sexualities.

Did books tell you everything you know?

 

[MellencampFan]

Did books tell you everything you know?

No, but I like most am not gay, so my only knowledge of that is from school. Seems you are another red-neck, conservative, god-salve, hick.

 

[gerryh]

Sexuality is not a choice. I studied Human Sexuality in college. Half of it is in the mind since birth, the other half an be influenced in childhood. That's just half though. Some things are more complicated and not black and white. But the consensus is that homosexuality in a homosexual person is already somewhat there.

Hey, stupid. tax wasn't talking about homosexuality being a lifestyle choice. Learn how to read, college boy.

 

[WLDB]

Addiction, like sexuality, is a choice.

 

[JLM]

Hey, stupid. tax wasn't talking about homosexuality being a lifestyle choice. Learn how to read, college boy.

Lay off the guy Gerry, he has enough to contend with without the likes of you getting on his case!

I'm curious walter, do you like being perceived as an idiot?

Maybe he thinks people who perceive other people as idiots have a problem themselves and I'm not sure he'd be wrong. If you and I look at a mountain from points a mile apart the mountain looks different to each of us.

Once a junkie always a junkie not true I know several people who went a
long way down the sad road to disaster and today they are doing very well
and don't do booze or drugs generalizations are not contributing to solutions.
Being negative doesn't help either

I think each person is different and is affected in different ways. Some react violently after a very small amount and some are drunk all their lives without people realizing it until one day when they actually were sober.

I think Ted is onto something!

 

[Kreskin]

I believe addiction is as much about lifestyle as it is physical.

I stopped smoking cold turkey exactly 2 weeks ago. It has been surprisingly easy. Yes the first few days were a little tough but anytime I wanted to deal with the withdrawal I just reminded myself that cigarettes were causing the withdrawal and weren't the solution.

Part of why it is has been easy for me is I really do want to quit. I think most people trying to quit still want to smoke. I don't. I've been on an exercise program for nearly 3 years and the stopping is bringing me to a whole new fitness level. I have so many reasons not to smoke I know I never will again. It's strange, I don't even think about it. Certainly not like "oh I want to have one." I don't. It seems like I haven't smoked for years.

My point here though is smoking has been much easier to break than I ever expected. Perhaps it's sold to be tougher than it really is so people will buy the addiction breaking products and services.