Hello @rharphelle :)
Thank you for stopping by.
One question that comes to mind is; how much of a disease is addiction?
This is an intriguing question. And may be one that normally arises when the topic is mental disorder. From a psychological standpoint I don't see any disease 'more of a disease' than another. Particularity when, as you highlighted here, a lot of effort is needed to control it. Because as you know, addicts are under the constant danger of relapse.
All the best to you.