‘Myths’ About Addiction? It’s Not at All That Simple

No amount of self-control can stop an addict (“The Truth About Addiction,” PostOpinion, Betsy McCaughey, April 5).

An addict is driven by compulsive behavior; it’s not just a need for drugs. Once the drugs are gone, addicts want to replace it with something else: cigarettes, food, sex or gambling; that’s where the problem lies. That’s where the “cure” is needed.

An addict’s body becomes obsessed with a substance and uses it in excess (sometimes to death). It is theorized that we are missing an enzyme that tells us to stop. The trick is: First, addicts have to hit bottom — find the right substitute to our addictions and a good support group to keep us on track. Mary Jo Pojawis Woodbridge, Conn.

Addiction is not a disease like Parkinson’s, cancer et al. Only liberal, fairytale thinking perpetuates this belief. Addiction is a condition caused by the behavior of the addicted, period.

Choices cause addiction. “Addiction is a disease” is a message of the preposterous culture of blaming others in order to shirk responsibility for our own predicaments. Ken Scheinholz Simsbury, Conn.

I am a Vietnam veteran and a recovering alcoholic and addict who has been sober, one day at a time, for 43 years.

The majority of doctors and mental health professionals agree that addiction is a disease.

Addicts don’t seek treatment, either because they don’t have the option or because their disease is still affecting their behavior.

I’ve been in jail, mentalhealth institutions, and rehab, until I was given 10 years to live at 23. I got help for my addiction, but I’ve seen people die from overdose or commit suicide because of this disease. Steve Vogel Oxford, Pa.

In Betsy McCaughey’s Pollyanna worldview, an addict has the option to choose not to be addicted.

For many addicts, this is not a viable or sustainable solution, because they have a chronic brain disease.

Addiction is recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. It’s a complex, chronic and progressive brain disease that often results in disability or premature death.

My beautiful, vibrant 22-year-old daughter died of an accidental overdose six months ago. If it were so simple as choice, my sweet daughter would be joining me for lunch. I would love to live in the reality McCaughey suggests. Lana Corsano North Salem