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Debate Info

10
17
I agree. I disagree.
Debate Score:27
Arguments:24
Total Votes:27
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 I agree. (9)
 
 I disagree. (14)

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Addiction is a mental disease, not a choice.

I didn't choose to become an addict.

I agree.

Side Score: 10
VS.

I disagree.

Side Score: 17
2 points

I say it is an inherent mental and character weakness typified by a lack of willpower, an inability to face the harsh facts of life without a crutch, a disproportionate desire for carefree personal pleasure and the willingness to expect a free ride while leaving others to accept the responsibility for taking the difficult decisions and doing the work.

Side: I agree.
1 point

It may be a mental illness of our own creation, yet it is still a mental illness. The causing of a mental illness by becoming addicted, through over use, is however a choice. But this addiction is then overpowering, both physically and mentally. The requirement then of rehabilitation, shows clearly the mental damage, the correction that needs to be made to the mind, showing it is a mental illness. You may argue that it is not a mental illness as they chose to become addicted, but a soldier who comes back from war with post traumatic stress, whom however chose to put himself in a traumatic situation, did not choose to develop a mental illness. In the same way, an addict does not choose to become addicted, but the overuse of substance, makes them mentally ill, and creates this addiction. Addiction creates a mental illness, as that's what addiction is.

Side: I agree.
kloeosmanx(2) Clarified
1 point

Further more, overuse is a choice which causes addiction, the addiction created as a mental illness. The choice was to overuse not to become addicted, and thus to develop a mental illness.

Side: I agree.
1 point

Indeed, addiction is a mental disease. Once you're in it it's not easy to stop.

But to be fair, acquiring the addiction is most often after engaging in behaviors the person chose to do despite knowing they might become addicted.

And also, beating addiction usually starts with making the choice to beat it.

Side: I agree.
negligent(202) Disputed
1 point

Definition of addiction:

1

: the quality or state of being addicted addiction to reading

2

: compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

WHERE DOES IS SAY "MENTAL DISEASE"

Side: I disagree.
negligent(202) Disputed
1 point

You can't make a choice to start a mental disease or beat a mental disease.

Side: I disagree.
Grenache(6053) Disputed
1 point

Really? What if you're psychotic? .......................................................................

Side: I agree.
3 points

It is a mental disorder but it is a choice what you do with it. "Treatment" is largely self driven. If someone wants to quit something then they can. It is a question of motivation.

Side: I disagree.
2 points

Mental diseases ARE NOT diagnosed by choice. Addiction IS started by choice.

Side: I disagree.

Addiction is OBVIOUSLY a choice and it is only the bleeding heart no fault mentality that would deny such common sense.

Tell me who forced that alcoholic to take his first drink? Tell me who forced him to drink heavily until he was addicted?

Tell me who forced someone to take illegal hard drugs? They are at fault when they get addicted.

Side: I disagree.
LichPotato(362) Disputed
1 point

You're referring to the actions causing addiction, not the addiction itself. You're correct; the former are voluntary. The latter, however, is not.

Side: I agree.
FromWithin(8241) Disputed
1 point

OBVIOUSLY, anyone who abuses any substance will sooner or later get addicted.

It is not a disease, it is a voluntary choice to abuse any substance.

I'm so sick of the Leftwing Liberal no fault insecurities. These people are truly pathetic when it comes to taking responsibility for one's actions.

Side: I disagree.
1 point

I don't see it as a mental disease I see it as one of the dumbest mistakes of the mistakes we all make in life. From then on it seems more like an uncontrollable physical urge, like, some people grab pussies.

Side: I disagree.
1 point

If you choose to start the product that you become addicted to, it is a choice. What follows afterwards may not be a choice per say, but it is within your control to realize you have an addiction and force yourself to get help for it.

Side: I disagree.
1 point

We all know the things that could potentially lead us into the 'addicted' box. It is up to us to choose how often we do it. Our brains are not dead, we are alive and know what consequences this thing could bring.

Side: I disagree.

It can be both, but no matter whether you have more addictive tendencies than others, it's still a choice. And if you don't have access to the thing for long enough, it subsides, at least on some level. If your brain knows or believes there is no possible way to ever get the thing, your mind begins to give up on the notion and move on.

We also know that you cannot crave what you never partook of in the first place.

Side: I disagree.