Addiction is a disease? Our author reviews a few reviews and discusses the following fallacy:
1. A certain behavioral/mental problem — call it “X” — is associated with brain activity in ways that can be observed and predicted.
2. Therefore, the solution to “X” must take the form of psychiatric/medical assistance; the solution cannot be individual free choice. (Indeed, even invoking that concept may be detrimental.)
There are other potential consequences:
‘…Satel also says that the people who came up with the idea that addiction is a disease and is incompatible with self-control were motivated by political and financial concerns (and probably emotional impulses)’
Worth pointing out.
