Debate

Addiction is not a disease

The audience voted in favour of the motion 165:77.

Is addiction really a disease, or is it simply a behaviour that we need to find a way of modifying? Some argue that addiction has a biological basis; others are convinced that fighting addiction is just a matter of sheer willpower.

 

Speakers

Aric Sigman

Aric Sigman

For the motion

Dr Sigman is a Chartered Biologist, Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society

Damian Thompson

Damian Thompson

For the motion

Editor of Telegraph blogs and reformed alcoholic

Theodore Dalrymple

Theodore Dalrymple

For the motion

Writer, former prison Doctor and Psychiatrist

Dominic Ruffy

Dominic Ruffy

Against the motion

Resilience Programmes Manager for Amy Winehouse Foundation Programme

Trinny Woodall

Trinny Woodall

Against the motion

Television presenter and author

Vik Watts

Vik Watts

Against the motion

Lead Consultant for addiction treatment and Consultant Psychiatrist, The Priory

Andrew Neil

Andrew Neil

Chair

Chairman, The Spectator Magazine Group

Venue

The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle, St London, W1S 4BS