3 The idea that compound addiction is a disease is not, however, universal. Some would argue that addiction is not an illness due to the fact that: Addiction is not transmissible or contagious. Addiction is not autoimmune, genetic, or degenerative. Addiction is self-acquired, suggesting the person gives the condition to himself. Advocates of this way of believing put a lot more focus on the social and environmental aspects of addictionone proponent declares that addictions may be "treated" by locking addicts in a cell where there is no access to substancesinstead of on the brain modifications that take place as a result of drug abuse.For instance, it holds true that most compound abuse starts with a choice (although in many cases substance use started with a prescription from a doctor for a real medical problem and progressed into abuse). However while no one forced an addicted individual to begin misusing a compound, it's difficult to imagine somebody would voluntarily destroy their health, relationships, and other significant locations of their lives.