Drug Addiction: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: Is drug addiction a mental illness or a choice?

(Posted by: on 2012-01-25 12:21:55)

Interested in as many opinions on this as possible - do you think drug addiction is a mental illness or a choice? I was of the opinion it's a choice, however does that then mean saying that anorexia is a choice as the person chooses not to eat? PS thanks for all the answers - very interesting to hear everyones views :)

Posted by: geessewereabove on 2012-01-25, 12:26:06

No. That is a matter of choice. Some drugs can have bad side effects and cause permanent damage, including in the mental hearth area.

Posted by: RedStar on 2012-01-25, 12:23:16

I would say it is a bit of both. Although the choice can lead to the mental illness of addiction

Posted by: Winona on 2012-01-25, 12:25:33

Personally, I believe it is both. At first, though, it was definitely a choice. You chose you do drugs for the first time. Even if there was peer pressure, you had the choice to say no. However, as you keep doing drugs.. your body will build up tolerance.. and you will seem to "need " it.. and then it would be more of an illness.

Posted by: ? on 2012-01-25, 12:25:35

A choice. sometimes misguided, but a choice none the less. some people suffer mental illnesses that make them more prone to drug addictions. but it is their choice whether they choose to initially take the drugs.

Posted by: Lesha ♥ Kenny on 2012-01-25, 12:26:45

Both. it starts with a choice which leads to illness. Or illness could lead to self medication... really could depend on the person