3 The concept that substance addiction is an illness is not, however, universal. Some would argue that dependency is not a disease because: Dependency is not transmissible or infectious. Addiction is not autoimmune, genetic, or degenerative. Dependency is self-acquired, indicating the person gives the condition to himself. Supporters of this method of believing put a lot more focus on the social and ecological elements of addictionone supporter claims that dependencies might be "treated" by locking addicts in a cell where there is no access to substancesinstead of on the brain changes that occur as a result of compound abuse.For instance, it is real that most substance abuse starts with a choice (although in lots of cases compound usage started with a prescription from a medical professional for a real medical problem and evolved into abuse). But while nobody required an addicted person to begin misusing a substance, it's difficult to envision somebody would willingly destroy their health, relationships, and other significant locations of their lives.
