3 The concept that compound dependency is an illness is not, however, universal. Some would argue that addiction is not an illness due to the fact that: Addiction is not transmissible or contagious. Dependency is not autoimmune, genetic, or degenerative. Dependency is self-acquired, implying the person gives the condition to himself. Supporters of this way of thinking put a lot more focus on the social and ecological factors of addictionone advocate claims that dependencies may be "cured" by locking addicts in a cell where there is no access to substancesinstead of on the brain changes that happen as an outcome of substance abuse.For example, it holds true that most compound abuse begins with a decision (although in a lot of cases compound use began with a prescription from a physician for a genuine medical issue and progressed into abuse). But while nobody required an addicted person to start misusing a compound, it's difficult to think of somebody would voluntarily destroy their health, relationships, and other major areas of their lives.