[Kotomi]

I don't consider it a disease
It is out of habit or if the stuff they use has anything that causes it addicting
however, originally I think it was used so people could have an excuse for it
as well as try to get help
hmm from the definitions posted though I can see where people are coming from saying it is a disease
with it making life conditions worse, so there are the actual diseases that we can't control and the man-made ones that some don't want to control and instead of changing life styles they claim it is the disease making it... which to some people, is just an excuse not to change...
there could be other reasons mental state of mind and something that is in it making it addicting maybe even plain laziness to do anything to make changes

still doesn't consider it a disease however, some diseases could be causing it,
sometimes things aren't noticed by people/doctors, I know someone who had an organ that ruptured and it wasn't found for 2 years and people thought it was other reasons until the person was opened up... luckily he lived