The Washington Post
Health Section
Letters

Addiction
Tuesday, September 4, 2007; HE02
. . .

Let me offer two clarifications on the question "Is addiction a disease or a defect?"
First, as psychologist Jeffrey Schaler's book title suggests, "addiction is a choice."
Second, stigmatization is a marvelous negative reinforcer for undesired behavior.
Ending untoward habitual behavior is all about encouraging and persuading people to exercise choice and willpower.

Richard E. Vatz, PhD
Professor
Towson University
Towson