The complex history of substance use, and addiction, is reflected in the pendulum swings of history where attitudes to addiction have changed over time.[1] Such debates that have arisen include whether addiction is a sin or a disease, whether treatment of addiction should focus on morals or on medication, and whether addictive substances and substances of abuse should be freely available or illegal.[1]
Reference:
[1] Crocq MA. Historical and cultural aspects of man’s relationship with addictive drugs. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2007; 9 (4): 355–361.