Yep, there's a lot of truth in what you say. Initially it's a choice, no doubt. Then in turns into something else...not sure you know that opiates actually rewire the brain. I'm not going to change your way of thinking. You're other analogies have no bearing on addiction. I'm a neuroscientist...addictive drugs change the brain, zero debate. It doesn't take very long for it to happen...then that's it. If you want to call it something other than a disease I'm cool with that. Sorry, but it's not a moral failing. With all your years of being around addicts did you ask them if they wanted that life? Not many do. FYI my son "just ended it" about a year and a half ago...I gotta say THAT hasn't saved us one ounce of grief. BTW I feel the same way you do about drug dealers