Is addiction to nicotine (cigarettes) a disease?

Question

Addiction to nicotine has the same human addiction profile as alcohol. Addiction to alcohol has been found a disease by the American Medical Association. Is addiction to cigarettes a disease as well?

Once Addicted

Answer 1

NO, and neither is alcoholism or drug addiction.

the reason for the disease classification is FUNDING!!!

and the losers who believe they suffer from a disease.

By the way, GREAT observation, too bad more people don't think for themselves.

Answer 2

This will sound patronizing, but the way I quit smoking was to stop smoking. Gradually quitting, patches, and the like are for people who want to feel like they are doing something but haven't made the choice to actually quit. Once you turn that corner and say "No more" you're your own best help. As far as nicotine-free (and non-tobacco) cigarettes go, there's no substitute for the real thing--they're just another way to quit without quitting. You still have to make a decision that you don't want to smoke anymore. It's sad yet true--still, the mind is a powerful ally and foe. It will help and harm depending on how committed you are to stopping because it's the best lie detector there is. If you don't really want to quit, it will let you smoke all you want and find all kinds of excuses to do so. Bottom line: even though some people have success with chemicals and other methods that don't actually stop you from smoking while you are quitting, the most effective way is to simply not smoke anything. You'll make it if you can make up your mind.

Answer 3

The difference is that alcohol does not addict all users. Some people can drink heavily for weeks and then abstain with no ill effects or "cravings." Nicotine will addict everyone who uses frequently enough. It should be remembered however that Addiction to nicotine does not turn the user's life upside-down the way alcoholism does.

Answer 4

Yes nicotine does lead to addiction and addiction is a disease. It is a disease because it interferes with the normal functioning of the body.

Answer 5

No it is an addiction, it is something you can quit on your own. Alcohol is different, it is mood altering. If it was a disease though I would see them making a shot for it like diabetes. If alcohol is a disease then heroin and cocaine would also apply in the disease catagory. I like beer and they will probably bury me with a can in my hand. I hope they also throw a case in the casket. Obviously I am not Babtist.

Answer 6

Say how do you catch that? It's not a disease its a choice. Cancer is a disease, lupus is a disease, addiction is a choice!
I know it makes people feel better to say is not your fault you have a disease, but the truth is they had a choice.
Does they body change and start needing that substance to make it feel better, since doctors say yes I will give them that point, however I will never believe its a disease like breast cancer or leukemia.

Answer 7

Addiction of any kind is not a disease. Susceptibility to addiction may be influenced by genetics, but is not a disease. Calling addiction a disease is an addicts excuse for not quitting.

Answer 8

It's not exactly a disease in and of itself, because it's a choice you make. However, smoking can cause other very VERY serious diseases.

With that said, though, some people may have a disorder which compells them to be addicted to something. I'm not sure, but it sort of seems this way to me.

HUGS, NOT DRUGS!!!!!

Answer 9

I am is school to become a drug and alcohol recovery counselor and in my classes we learned that addiction to any substance including cigarettes is a disease.

Answer 10

I think it is. . . I'm addicted and as soon as I need a cigarette I feel stress , anxiety , head ache so maybe it should be considered a disease. well, I'm on break so I'll be smoking out side.