3 The concept that compound dependency is a disease is not, nevertheless, universal. Some would argue that addiction is not an illness because: Addiction is not transmissible or contagious. Addiction is not autoimmune, hereditary, or degenerative. Dependency is self-acquired, implying the individual provides the condition to himself. Supporters of this way of believing put a lot more emphasis 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 compound abuse.For instance, it holds true that a lot of substance abuse begins with a choice (although in a lot of cases substance use began with a prescription from a physician for a real medical issue and progressed into abuse). However while no one required an addicted individual to begin misusing a compound, it's difficult to envision somebody would willingly destroy their health, relationships, and other significant areas of their lives.