Great builds, Twofish & Sookie. I fully agree that addiction is a disease but unlike cancer it is "self inflicted" - so there is a choice involved. It is "brain disease where over time free will (choice) is compromised". A addict then becomes a slave to the substance or activity (ie porn, gambling, sex or work).
Our family therapist says that the addiction of our loved one is a great learning opportunity for us to become a better person. Learning happen in a place of pain - both for us and for our loved ones. Its like the pain of (re)birth