Is Addiction Really a "Disease" Like Cancer?

By Jane Velez-Mitchell 08/27/12

Fix video columnist Jane Velez-Mitchell, a recovering addict and cancer survivor, talks about being powerless over both.

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Q: I know a cancer patient who feels angry when people describe behavior-driven addictions as a disease. Should we define the two differently?

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[Jane is now exclusively answering your questions about addiction, recovery and the like. Send your questions to [email protected].]

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Jane Velez-Mitchell

Jane Velez-Mitchell is a television and social media journalist and author. She is the founder of JaneUnChained, a digital news network for animal rights and the vegan lifestyle. You can find Jane on Linkedin or follow her on Twitter.

Featured Centers

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ⓘFeatured centers have paid for placement of their reviews in this section; however, the content and ratings contained in those reviews are editorial content created by The Fix.

Newport Academy

This SoCal program fosters a regimented but respectful recovery environment, where teens learn how to live sober through plenty of 12-step meetings and life-skills classes—not to mention "equine-assisted psychotherapy" and mixed martial arts.

The Holistic Sanctuary

Founder Johnny Tabaie treats addiction, PTSD, and more with plant medicines; alumni from this Baja sanctuary emerge transformed, with no cravings and no withdrawals.

Oceanside Malibu

Oceanside alumni praise flexible treatment which includes care for underlying mental health conditions, staff who go the extra mile, luxury amenities, and activities such as surfing and horseback riding.

AToN Center

This San Diego luxury rehab provides customized treatment by highly qualified staff and, according to one alum, “Sets the gold standard for all other treatment centers.”

Ardú

The ultimate goal of treatment at Ardú is not just sobriety, but to teach clients how to “live with purpose and passion.” According to alumni, they're succeeding.

Room with swimming pool overlooking lake at Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Health Centre

This non-12-step men's facility in Canada offers individualized and comprehensive addiction treatment which leads to personal transformation. The goal is men "who are inspired to live with a renewed sense of vitality and purpose."

Asheville

Alumni from this North Carolina rehab praise the individualized treatment and loving, family-like environment: "The whole establishment is caring and invested in your recovery."

Hawaii Island Recovery

Clients at Hawaii Island Recovery come for the view but stay for the treatment.

SOBA Recovery Center

This laid-back Malibu beachfront rehab charts a holistic path to recovery, which suits the twenty- and thirtysomethings who come here—you just might have to clock a few extra miles on the sand to burn off Chef Monte’s hearty home-cooking.

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