i've always found it very strange that things like alcohol, drug and gambling addiction are described as diseases.

it seems much more like a psychological condition to me. to cure it your need your behavior patterns restructured which is not something an operation or drug is likely to solve.

on top of that addiction implies a physical need whereas gambling is a craving or compulsion. an alcoholic or heroin addict may suffer severe physical consequences if they don't get what they're addicted to. it's not quite the same for a gambler but no doubt they're gonna be sad.