Originally Posted by
LBrain 
BUT, the reality is that "addiction" is a very real thing whether one wishes to call it that or not. It really is not as simple as just up and deciding one day to stop for a truly addicted person. Though it is possible to adopt a simple approach to staying 'stopped' once that has been achieved. Some form of intervention is usually required for those deeply entrenched in addiction, and it can be done from within as well - self-intervention (?)
No one quits, decides one day to never use again, unless they do , yeah?
It is simple though, as in uncomplicated, but not necessarily easy.
Continuing an addiction is impossible without the availability of the substance, without physically ingesting /consuming the chemicals. Medieval serfs were not embroiled in an 'opioid epidemic' .
Volition is a part of human nature , addiction is the state of being in relation to use when one doesn't lose their volition but instead convinces themselves to abandon it.
Use and abuse can be volitional acts, some people place a high value on the hedonistic pleasure and choose to chase the buzz. Some people use to only avoid withdrawal, placing a high value on not having to go through the immediate discomfort , which can obviously be severe , and continue to use.
Use in and of itself isn't 'addiction' , perceiving one's self to not have volition in relation to cessation is.
The AV will try and convince permanent abstinence is too draconian, and it is because it means no more drinks ,ever, oh the humanity , foregoing intoxication for the rest of life?! My AV bristles at the notion and always will , no matter though, it isn't a cross to bear just a choice made.
Chemical intoxication is all that and then some , but what are you going to do ?
