Christopher Hitchens diagnosed with cancer

[Trolldor]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

[Lozzer]

Bad news!
He was definitely in the high risk group, but he knowingly took those risks.
Hopefully they got it early.

He knowingly took those risks. So I suppose he deserves whatever he gets. Nice.

I think you are reading more into what Faithfree (FF) was writing - all he wrote is that Hitchens knowingly took those risks, nothing more. FF is not a smug type of person.

It bothers me that there are certain illnesses that are generally maintained as warranting sympathy, while others get the response of "Well, they brought it on themselves." Smoking is an addiction some claim is harder to quit than heroin-- an illness in itself. Then to face what Hitchens is facing-- well, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I don't know Faithfree, but the implication of Faithfree's words are pretty clear-- though in this case, expressed with some kindness.

Heroin addiction is not an illness.

[Meekychuppet]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

[Horwood Beer-Master]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

[maiforpeace]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

Semantics?

Whether it's illness, disease or unwellness, we were discussing whether or not drug addiction deserved the same sympathy as other illnesses or diseases.

[Rum]

Fuckedupness will do just fine. The route you get there is many and varied. But they all deserve sympathy.

[maiforpeace]

Fuckedupness will do just fine.

Thanks Rum, I needed that.

[Meekychuppet]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

Broken bones ain't wellness but it doesn't make throwing yourself in front of the car that broke them an illness.

I refer you to the Penn &Teller 'Bullshit' episode about alcoholism.

[charlou]

Now, I'd like to affirm that of course certain lifestyle choices lead to health problems-- I just get upset by people who are judgmental where sympathy would be more appropriate. Now I'm done grinding that particular ax. And Faithfree, we're all good as far as I'm concerned. No worries.

Right so why the utterly absurd and utterly sanctimonious and unnecessary comment?

No more unnecessary than "lol bollocks."

I've admitted I had an ax to grind, and I've made my explanations. I haven't been absurd, and I don't think I was sanctimonious. I was impassioned, and I made a remark that responded to a perceived tone in a comment. My response was angrier than the comment warranted. Sorry about that, Faithfree.

Considering that I've explained as much previously, I wonder about the motives behind your commentary, PC.
I don't wonder enough to need to read about them, though.

lol bollocks.

Not funny, Poss.


hadespussercats, sorry I missed your earlier explanation.

[hadespussercats]

Now, I'd like to affirm that of course certain lifestyle choices lead to health problems-- I just get upset by people who are judgmental where sympathy would be more appropriate. Now I'm done grinding that particular ax. And Faithfree, we're all good as far as I'm concerned. No worries.

Right so why the utterly absurd and utterly sanctimonious and unnecessary comment?

No more unnecessary than "lol bollocks."

I've admitted I had an ax to grind, and I've made my explanations. I haven't been absurd, and I don't think I was sanctimonious. I was impassioned, and I made a remark that responded to a perceived tone in a comment. My response was angrier than the comment warranted. Sorry about that, Faithfree.

Considering that I've explained as much previously, I wonder about the motives behind your commentary, PC.
I don't wonder enough to need to read about them, though.

lol bollocks.

Not funny, Poss.


hadespussercats, sorry I missed your earlier explanation.

No worries, Charlou.

[Robert_S]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

Broken bones ain't wellness but it doesn't make throwing yourself in front of the car that broke them an illness.

I refer you to the Penn &Teller 'Bullshit' episode about alcoholism.

Throwing yourself in front of a car is not quite what I'd call a sign of great mental health.

[Lion IRC]

I listen to every syllable of every word of every sentence I hear from Mr Hitchens.
He has certainly has gotten more people talking about God and religion than anyone I can think of in recent history. (theist or otherwise)
Peace be with you Mr Hitchens!
Lion (IRC)

[Trolldor]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

Broken bones ain't wellness but it doesn't make throwing yourself in front of the car that broke them an illness.

I refer you to the Penn &Teller 'Bullshit' episode about alcoholism.

Throwing yourself in front of a car is not quite what I'd call a sign of great mental health.

Indeed. One might link the cause to a mental illness.

[Meekychuppet]

Throwing yourself in front of a car is not quite what I'd call a sign of great mental health.

Indeed. One might link the cause to a mental illness.

You both misunderstand.

Condition = broken bone
Cause = car accident
Therefore is car accident an illness?

Condition = drug use
Cause = self-medication due to mental illness
Therefore is drug use an illness?

In both cases, no.

[Trolldor]

Drug Use may not be an illness, but addiction can be a mental illness.