The question of an individual's ability to control a substance or behavioral addiction has been long-debated. More than 20 years ago Dr. Jeffrey Schaler made his stance clear in his book Addiction is a Choice.

Dr. Schaler remains steadfast in his conclusion that addiction is a behavior and behaviors are choices. The existential therapist and former professor at both American and Johns Hopkins Universities continues writing, speaking and advocating against the medicalization of addiction today, and makes his points with characteristic passion in this podcast.

 

Historical debate from the archives of Psychiatric Times: 

Addiction is a Choice

Addiction is a Disease