This article addresses the origins of addiction and does not excuse or condone the harmful behaviors of an addict. It appears this article is being misinterpreted by some posters from what is really being stated.
If you read the article carefully, it never states that we should excuse the behavior of the addict - which is how some are interpreting it. It simply states that people don’t choose to have the disorder of addiction. However, it indicates that choosing recovery over unhealthy behavior is necessary. See quote below.
"Because there is no pill which alone can cure addiction, choosing recovery over unhealthy behaviors is necessary," Hajela said.
This "choosing recovery" is akin to people with heart disease who may not choose the underlying genetic causes of their heart problems but do need to choose to eat healthier or begin exercising, in addition to medical or surgical interventions, the researchers said.”
The article definitely states someone with this disorder should seek recovery and treatment of these destructive, harmful behaviors - like anyone with any other disorder or illness should. And it certainly does not condone the damaging behaviors of addiction.
This research is dealing more with explaining the origins and cause of the addiction - rather than telling us we should excuse the associated behaviors - which it never does.
With time and further effort, these types of research may soon provide resources for actually changing addiction's course - perhaps even ending its powerful hold that destroys so many lives.