How come addicts get so much sympathy? Is being a selfish asshole really an "illness"?

That post really brought in a new perspective for me, I didn't consider those that were born in drug abusive families. They literally got no choice at all.

Reason why I asked in the first place is that is quite common in my circle of society, rich kid got hooked, went through rehab , tons of praises but won't stop mentioning it ever. I'm 22 currently and my family is just doing well enough for me to meet rich people around my age. It kinda sickens me

Honestly, this thread had a bunch of information that really opened my eyes.