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| | Addiction |
 | | Since unenlightened policies on addiction are often based in stigma against those struggling with dependence, it is important, as the report notes, to communicate that addiction is a chronic illness. |
 | | A better approach would acknowledge that addiction is not a disease, but rather a bio-behavioral disorder involving persons who, although gripped by strong desires, remain rational for many, if not most, of their waking hours. |
 | | Like the disease model, a bio-behavioral understanding of addiction will reduce stigma and increase support for prevention and treatment, but it has the key additional virtue of staying true to the facts about this disorder. |
| www.naturalism.org /addictio.htm (7135 words) |
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