09/03/2026
Diseases or health conditions that can begin with a personal choice or decision:
-Smoking-related diseases — beginning with the decision to smoke
-Alcohol-use disorder — potentially beginning with choosing to drink repeatedly
-Substance-use disorder — beginning with drug use
-Obesity-related conditions — influenced by long-term eating and activity choices
-Type 2 diabetes — risk can be affected by lifestyle choices, though genetics also matter
-Sexually transmitted infections — risk can be affected by decisions about sexual activity and protection
-Liver disease — risk may increase with heavy alcohol use
-Lung cancer — strongly associated with smoking, though not every case is caused by it
So when a person claims addiction is a choice that is not totally accurate.
A person may initially choose to use a substance or engage in a behavior, but addiction can alter brain systems involved in reward, impulse control, learning, and decision-making.
Saying “addiction is a choice” is an oversimplification.