Do You Consider Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Diseases?

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I came across a debate on a friend's facebook page that argued whether alcoholism and drug addiction should be considered diseases. My friend felt that calling them diseases was an insult to people who have actual diseases, such as cancer. Nobody asks for cancer, but people who CHOOSE to do drugs and drink alcohol are making that choice, getting themselves addicted, and then calling it a disease. I agree with her. I feel like these people who have gotten themselves so addicted to drugs and alcohol are being "babied" when people tell them it's a disease. Nobody wants to sit them down and say "Look. You're making bad choices. It's time you pulled yourself together." If you're choosing to drink alcohol and do drugs, you're bringing on your own problems. That's not a disease. That's a choice. One man argued that when he went to rehab, his doctor told him it was a disease. Honestly, I feel that they are saying these things because the addicts don't want to feel guilty for their choices. They don't want to be told that they are making bad choices and doing this to themselves. They want to be made to feel like they are victims. But hey, if it works for them and they get they help they need, then so be it. I do feel like it's a bit of a slap in the face to people who have actual diseases, though. What do you guys think? I hope my opinion didn't offend anybody. I'm a very honest person and I have strong opinions on things. I don't like arguments though. I will not get into angry and heated debates with people over anything. I prefer when people can have a calm discussion without getting mean.