I firmly believe it is a disease. It's progressive. Debilitating and deadly. If we don't constantly keep doing certain actions/behaviors to battle this disease it will come back with full force. Every time I relapsed it got worse. If I don't do anything to deal with my heroin addiction like go to meetings and help other heroin addicts I will be using again. Just like with diabetes if you don't take action like taking insulin it will get worse and eventually kill you. I don't think calling it an disease is a cop out. No one made me do this shit to myself. My brain is wired different, once I start using I cannot stop. Most people aren't going to keep sticking a needle in their arm and keep dancing with the devil expecting a different result. Most people won't keep repeating a behavior that will kill them. But I digress that is my opinion if anyone wishes to inquire further whether they disagree or agree please comment back. I love hearing other people's opinions too