Cancer, Schmancer--as long as I'm not a drug addict.A NEW AD campaign from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America announces that "drug addiction drug addiction or chemical dependency Physical and/or psychological dependency on a psychoactive (mind-altering) substance (e.g., alcohol, narcotics, nicotine), defined as continued use despite knowing that the substance causes harm. is a disease." In fact, say the ads, addiction is worse than a disease, because people are not inclined to sympathize with Verb 1. sympathize with - share the suffering of compassionate, condole with, feel for, pity grieve, sorrow - feel grief commiserate, sympathise, sympathize - to feel or express sympathy or compassion addicts, viewing excessive drug use as voluntary behavior rather than a condition requiring medical attention. The "Hope, Help, and Healing" campaign tries to correct that perception: In a TV spot and a series of print ads like this one, shirtless addicts of various ages, sexes, and colors declare they'd be "better off" with a brain tumor Brain Tumor Definition A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Unlike other tumors, brain tumors spread by local extension and rarely metastasize (spread) outside the brain. , cancer, AIDS, or heart disease. People with brain tumors, cancer, AIDS, or heart disease might disagree. As Thomas Szasz has observed, one hallmark hallmark, mark impressed on silverwork or goldwork to signify official approval of the standard of purity of the metal, also called plate mark. The hallmark was introduced by statute in England in 1300 and enforced by the Goldsmiths' Hall, London. of a true disease is that people are not constantly insisting it's a disease. Even the prohibitionists who say addiction should be treated like an illness do not seem entirely convinced. After all, police do not arrest people for having brain tumors, cancer, AIDS, or heart disease. Doctors do not treat people against their will for brain tumors, cancer, AIDS, or heart disease. People with brain tumors, cancer, AIDS, or heart disease are not disqualified dis·qual·i·fy tr.v. dis·qual·i·fied, dis·qual·i·fy·ing, dis·qual·i·fies 1. a. To render unqualified or unfit. b. To declare unqualified or ineligible. 2. from various professions because the government refuses to license them. Perhaps the Partnership for a Drug-Free America's next ad campaign will take on those policies. |
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