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Is drug addiction a disease or a habit?

Tuesday, May 13
“It depends. In the beginning it’s a habit, then it’s an incurable disease. But on the whole, it’s a habit, a cruel habit.”
Nugzari, historian, 29

“It’s a disease, of course. They are the most piteous people one could ever meet. But if one really wants to, I don’t think it’s impossible to kick it.”
Nanuka, dancer, 22

“It’s a habit. It must be severely punished. Otherwise, we can’t stop people becoming addicted to drugs. It’s the only way out of the problem.”
Natia, doctor, 53

“A disease! Drug-addicted people need very serious medical treatment. Drugs destroy human beings.”
Ani, student, 20

“Drug addiction is a disease. I have neighbors who are drug users. They themselves say ‘we are sick,’ because they can’t stop using it.”
Irakli, sailor, 22

“It’s a disease, because indulging in a habit is something that depends on your mood. You may want to use drugs when you are in a bad mood or have serious problems, but using every day and permanently—that is not a habit.”
Rati, economist, 32

“Yes, it’s a disease, but not only a human disease. It’s a societal disease. With the physical curing of a drug addict, the factors leading to drug use should be removed, too.”
Keti, journalist, 37

“It’s a disease, one of the most deadly diseases.”
Roma, sportsman, 27

“It’s neither. It’s just an action a human chooses to do. It’s something he likes to do despite being dangerous. Human beings have the right to freedom of choice.”
Tamar, secretary, 21