I think the author has an important point to make, which could be helpful for those struggling with addiction and find that the model of the disease and total a

I think the author has an important point to make, which could be helpful for those struggling with addiction and find that the model of the disease and total abstinence suggested by 12 step groups doesn't fit in some. Anecdotally it seems to square with my observations of long time friends. That said, I do think that there "a thing" that has aspects of a disease. The belief structure was created by folks from e early part of the 20th century, so there concept that the disease was a permanent affliction was probably just not correct. I tend to look at addictions as a subset of obsessive/compulsive disorders, which has an additional chemical feedback loop enhancer. Overall, our understanding of mental illness is woefully undeveloped. Most cases are diagnosed by interpretations Of subjective and self reported symptoms. The last time I looked at a discussion of this related to the new DSM, the very low interrator reliability I the diagnosing of mental illness was scandalous. Doesn't mean it's not a real thing though.