IS ADDICTION REALLY A DISEASE?

There’s commonly accepted notion of addiction as a brain disease and maybe this is the first time you heard about this.

The classification of addiction as a disease is a topic of ongoing debate within the medical and scientific communities. This theory has gained prominence in part due to research showing that addiction involves changes in the brain that affect behavior judgment and decision-making. Also there is evidence suggesting a genetic predisposition to addiction. Individuals with a family history of addiction may be more vulnerable to developing addictive behaviors themselves, indicating a genetic component that contributes to the risk of addiction.

The traditional model states addiction is a chronic brain disease — a progressive, incurable condition that can only be addressed by abstinence and/or a 12-step recovery program that has become the pillar of the vast majority of rehab programs. But this model of treating addiction, often leads to a sense of helplessness and powerlessness among individuals struggling with addiction. The “disease” label can contribute to stigma and may even predict relapse.

In my experience a better understanding of the biological aspect of addiction has allowed to have more clarity, power and self-awareness and helped to release my guilt over the situation and find mechanisms that help me to overcome this challenge. Because it’s not simply a matter of willpower or choice, but rather a complex interaction between the brain and certain substances or behaviors.

“Understanding the science behind addiction can help us develop more effective treatments and interventions for those struggling with addiction.”

Our brain is wired to respond to pleasure, drugs and addictive behaviors activate the reward center in the brain. This flood of dopamine, a neuro-chemical that produces feelings of pleasure, reinforces the brain’s desire to seek out the drug or addictive activity repeatedly. Over time, this can lead to changes in brain function, making it increasingly difficult to resist the urge to use.

In addition to dopamine, they also affect other brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These alterations in brain chemistry can lead to a range of symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to addictive behaviors.

Addiction alters the brain’s reward system, neurotransmitters, and neural pathways. Hijacking the brain’s reward circuitry, leading to intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, altering the way we think, feel, and behave.

It modifies the way our brain’s neurons communicate with each other, creating new neural pathways that reinforce addictive patterns. These changes can make it more difficult to quit and more likely to have a relapse.

I recently came across an article from neuroscientists Mark Lewis, where he shared very interesting insights that resonated deeply with me and are one of the main reasons for me to write this today.

Contrary to the disease model, Lewis argues that addiction is better understood as a learned habit of mind — a pattern of thought, emotion, and activity. The recurring nature of addiction, whether related to drugs, alcohol, gambling, porn or other compulsive behaviors, establishes and reinforces neural pathways, making it challenging to break the cycle. In his book “The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease” delves into the stories of recovering addicts, emphasizing the importance of psychological and behavioral interventions, such as psychotherapy, group support, mindfulness meditation, and motivational interviewing.

While acknowledging brain changes associated with addiction, he contends that these changes are part of the brain’s natural plasticity, which occurs with intense learning experiences. He emphasizes that such changes are not unique to addiction and can also be seen in experiences like falling in love.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt over time.

After successfully overcoming addiction and being completely sober for the past 3 years, (no alcohol, no drugs, no psychiatric medication) this perspective resonates deeply with how I feel. It's not a disease, it’s possible to recover and let go of this idea and stop identifying as an “addict” forever. Addiction recovery is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and support. It’s not just about giving up the substance or behavior that was causing harm but also about healing the mind, body, soul and your environment. The journey towards recovery can be emotional, psychological, spiritual and we need to learn how to deal with it.

Awareness and educating yourself is a big part of it, and that’s why I’ve found myself driven to share information around addiction and mental health as my life purpose. Transforming a long and painful experience into an inspiring and motivational testimony that serves and impacts positively the people who connect with me or my projects in some way or another.

Out of the 80 people I went to rehab with, only 2 remain sober. The rest have relapsed, with some returning to rehab. Two close friends have tragically passed away — one from an overdose, the other by suicide. I’ve even had to provide meals for one of my friends at a community kitchen where I volunteer on Sundays; he now lives on the streets. This harsh reality reveals that addiction is not a game.

Learning to confront our emotions without resorting to numbing substances or addictive behaviors is more than challenging. Quitting is just the first step; we are, in fact, addicted to those emotions.A single lapse in managing emotions incorrectly can easily trigger a relapse.

It’s crucial to express emotions openly and embrace all feelings. Avoid expecting change if you continue to associate with the same people and frequent the same places. Stepping away reveals that many of those “friends” were only present during periods of substance use. Surround yourself with a supportive, positive healthy environment.

Witnessing the pain suffered by loved ones due to this challenge is heart-wrenching. Addiction affects more than just the individual; it’s a huge problematic that slowly destroys societies. The truth about addiction transcends settings — from luxury penthouses to the streets, the pain remains the same.

Seeking help should never be a source of shame; battling addiction alone is daunting, and everyone deserves support. Let us continue to raise awareness, offer help, share kindness to anyone in need, and foster a compassionate understanding of addiction as a learned habit of mind that can be overcome with the right tools and resources.

Hope you find this article helpful, thank you for reading