At least for some substances/activities, I'm more sympathetic to the description of addiction as disease.
There appear to be predisposing factors to becoming an addict. These are not well enough characterized to pin them to specific heritable or environmental conditions. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, I believe they exist.
The first definition offered by Wikipedia is so broad, "A disease is an abnormal condition that affects the body of an organism. " that it is nearly useless. But if accepted, the definition of disease as "something bad" can be correctly applied to some addictions as some addictions are "something bad."
If there are actually heritable conditions which predispose one to addiction, then considering addiction to be disease in the same sense as something like cystic fibrosis is appropriate. Twin studies of alcoholism indicate that this is the case. Genetics of addiction.
I'm also unwilling to accept the claim that twelve step programs are useless. Like religion in general, they are a mixed bag of useful and harmful traits for the individual. Certainly, there are enough testimonials to their efficacy for some people. Apparently you're not one of them. The objective problem here is what constitutes 'reliable proof,' of efficacy and suitability of purpose. The problem is too complex for simple or universal solutions or they would exist. There are plenty of motivated people who want and need them.
In any case, I offer congratulations on your multiple escapes and best wishes for current and future freedom and happiness.
There appear to be predisposing factors to becoming an addict. These are not well enough characterized to pin them to specific heritable or environmental conditions. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, I believe they exist.
The first definition offered by Wikipedia is so broad, "A disease is an abnormal condition that affects the body of an organism. " that it is nearly useless. But if accepted, the definition of disease as "something bad" can be correctly applied to some addictions as some addictions are "something bad."
If there are actually heritable conditions which predispose one to addiction, then considering addiction to be disease in the same sense as something like cystic fibrosis is appropriate. Twin studies of alcoholism indicate that this is the case. Genetics of addiction.
I'm also unwilling to accept the claim that twelve step programs are useless. Like religion in general, they are a mixed bag of useful and harmful traits for the individual. Certainly, there are enough testimonials to their efficacy for some people. Apparently you're not one of them. The objective problem here is what constitutes 'reliable proof,' of efficacy and suitability of purpose. The problem is too complex for simple or universal solutions or they would exist. There are plenty of motivated people who want and need them.
In any case, I offer congratulations on your multiple escapes and best wishes for current and future freedom and happiness.
So how, exactly, does God know that She's NOT a brain in a vat? 
