Addiction Quote by William S. Burroughs
“The idea that addiction is somehow a psychological illness is, I think, totally ridiculous. It's as psychological as malaria. It's a matter of exposure. People, generally speaking, will take any intoxicant or any drug that gives them a pleasant effect if it is available to them.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Addict's Perspective, 1970
Addiction is framed as a biological exposure rather than a purely mental disorder, emphasizing environmental availability.
In simple terms: Addiction is about exposure, not just mindset.
Key Takeaway
Address availability and environment to reduce use.
Themes
addiction
biology
environment
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analysis
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education programs
- community outreach
Key Concepts
exposure
public health
Questions to Reflect On
- How does environment shape habit formation?
- What role does personal choice play?
A Different Perspective
Neglects psychological factors and personal agency.
![“We got a malaria initiative, really a phenomenal time, even though in the early stages there was some uncertainty. Then of course [Barack] Obama, although he had budget constraints, he believed in these things; a lot of new initiatives, including in agriculture.” quote by Bill Gates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f36/bill-gates-137_agriculture_we-got-a-malaria-initiative-really-a-phe_148148.jpg)
