3 The concept that compound dependency is an illness is not, however, universal. Some would argue that dependency is not an illness due to the fact that: Addiction is not transmissible or infectious. Addiction is not autoimmune, hereditary, or degenerative. Addiction is self-acquired, suggesting the individual offers the condition to himself. Supporters of this way of thinking put a lot more emphasis on the social and environmental elements of addictionone supporter declares that addictions may be "cured" by locking addicts in a cell where there is no access to substancesinstead of on the brain changes that occur as an outcome of drug abuse.For instance, it holds true that many compound abuse starts with a choice (although in a lot of cases compound use began with a prescription from a medical professional for a real medical problem and progressed into abuse). However while no one forced an addicted person to start misusing a compound, it's difficult to imagine someone would willingly destroy their health, relationships, and other significant areas of their lives.