This has actually been pretty standard thinking in addiction medicine for a long time. 12 step programs were developed by thinking as addiction as a 'spiritual'

This has actually been pretty standard thinking in addiction medicine for a long time. 12 step programs were developed by thinking as addiction as a 'spiritual' affection. Many AA'isms reflect this: "I don't have a alcohol problem. I have a spiritual problem and drugs and alcohol were the solution." etc.