DrHurd.com

Yes, Addiction Really is a Choice

PDF Print E-mail
Daily Dose of Reason - Psychology & Self-Improvement
Written by Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D.   
Tuesday, 30 March 2010 00:00
alcoholHow can I say that addiction is a choice, rather than a disease? Let's put it this way. When addictive behaviors end, who or what does the ending? Some people end addiction by going into rehab. Still, once rehab is over, they go home -- where they choose to either resume the addictive behavior, or not. Others end addiction by going to AA meetings, even for the rest of their lives. Still, they're not at AA meetings 24/7. They have to choose not to be addictive when away from meetings, and they have to choose to continue going to meetings, or not. Many people end addictive behaviors without getting professional help. They're choosing, too. If addiction were a medical illness, it would stop because of a cure, medication or surgery imposed on the patient entirely from the outside. Cancer, when it's cured, is eliminated this way. Addiction involves a combination of emotional conflict and behavior, not illness. It's a complicated, troubling and disturbing behavior that sometimes takes a long time to overcome, and some people sadly never overcome. But it doesn't change the fact that it's cognitive and behavioral in nature -- not medical.
< Prev   Next >
 

Shopping Cart

Your Cart is currently empty.

Wait for the payment page to appear after your order is confirmed. If you haven't entered your payment information, your order will not be completed. When ordering instant downloads, your shipping and credit card billing addresses must match. Problems? Call 302-539-5986 or contact Dr. Hurd.

DR. HURD'S NEW BOOK!

Bad Therapy, Good TherapyClick here to purchase your autographed copy!
(Choose domestic or International delivery. Price includes shipping.)

Kindle Edition

Click below to purchase in KINDLE E-book format from Amazon CLICK to purchase in KINDLE edition

Daily Dose Mug

Daily Dose MugGet your official Daily Dose Coffee Mug! Click "merchandise" in the shopping menu to the left.

Psychotherapy

Want to address an issue head on in a peaceful, oceanside location? Come to the beaches of Delaware for our special Reflection...by the Sea package.

Stop and Think...

" Man is the only animal for whom his own existence is a problem which he has to solve. "

Erich Fromm


Recent News

Contact Dr. Hurd