9/27 Blog #3

In your opinion, to what extent should problems like alcoholism and drug addiction be considered "diseases of the brain" or personal failings (moral, willpower, etc.)? Feel free to discuss your own real-world observations and experiences. What about other issues, like depression?

I personally do not believe that these things are real diseases. Unlike any kind of cancer or a lung or heart disease for example, alcoholism and drug addiction are things that can be prevented. Yes I agree that people who smoke are more prone to lung disease and people who are overweight are more prone to heart disease, but there are also people who do nothing wrong and are diagnosed with these types of diseases. However,I see alcoholism and drug addiction as something completely different. A person can choose not to have that first drink or smoke that first time. Good choices can ALWAYS prevent alcoholism or drug addiction whereas leading a good, healthy life doesn't necessarily allow you to escape other, more legitimate diseases.

I have similar opinions about the idea of depression, but I do see depression as something more serious and more of a real disease than alcoholism or drug addiction. I believe depression can always be prevented as well, but I see a major difference between something like alcoholism and depression. A person made the choice to drink alcohol, but people do not choose to have things go wrong in their lives. They often do not have control over the series of events that lead to their "disease".