A decision always means there is an alternative, or there is no decision to make! An alternative means there is a choice.
Addiction might be considered a state in which there is no alternative left...at least not for the addict.
I have been badly addicted to morphine after three surgeries. Each time the choice had to be made FOR me to stop. None of those times would I have been able to by myself -- my need for the drug (or my perceived need, if you like) had removed 'choice' from me. I remember DT's. I remember what I can only call 'electric chills' which felt like my fingers and toes were all plugged into sockets and the current was turned on at odd times and coursed through my body in a horrid way. This is withdrawal. Offer the addict relief with his drug and there is no choice. He takes the drug.
I can guarantee that.
That is not freedom of choice.
Real decisions do involve real alternatives and that means real choices.
Addiction might be considered a state in which there is no alternative left...at least not for the addict.
I have been badly addicted to morphine after three surgeries. Each time the choice had to be made FOR me to stop. None of those times would I have been able to by myself -- my need for the drug (or my perceived need, if you like) had removed 'choice' from me. I remember DT's. I remember what I can only call 'electric chills' which felt like my fingers and toes were all plugged into sockets and the current was turned on at odd times and coursed through my body in a horrid way. This is withdrawal. Offer the addict relief with his drug and there is no choice. He takes the drug.
I can guarantee that.
That is not freedom of choice.
Real decisions do involve real alternatives and that means real choices.