One thing I'd argue as a starting point is there is no "theory" or a "model" of addiction as a disease. The arguments associated with that claim are actually not that cohesive. A common position associated with addiction as a disease is that it is an essential category, which is an idea we can get our arms around a bit better and which I discuss... See more

Regardless of what label we give it—we already know some of the most important things about addiction. We know it can, and often does, kill. We know it hurts the people we love and ourselves. We know it’s a medical condition. And we know it’s possible to recover.

I remember when marijuana was medically legalized in Los Angeles. I would see massive lines out the door of dispensaries in my neighborhood. Looking at everyone waiting for their kush, I’d ask myself, “Are all these people really here for ‘medical’ usage? This feels more like legalizing mass addiction to cope with depression, anxiety and god knows... See more