By Jonathan Huttner
A core concept evolving over the past decade is that drug addiction and
alcoholism is a disease of the brain that develops over time as a result of drug abuse and alcohol abuse
. While many drug rehabs and addiction treatment centers have long accepted the 12 step approach to recovery and believe in the “disease concept”, there still exists conflict regarding the origin of the disease itself. When a person is suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism , we understand they experience an uncontrollable craving for drugs and alcohol. This craving generally results in the seeking and use of drugs and alcohol which usually interferes with the individuals functioning within the family and society itself. In most cases, an illness such as this usually requires treatment in a drug rehab, addiction treatment center or alcohol treatment center.
In addition to the above, we also recognize the systems within the brain through which drugs modify perception, mood, memory, and emotional states. Furthermore, the habitual use of drugs and alcohol changes brain structure and brain function to the extent that these changes continue to exist even after the person is well into recovery. We do not yet understand all of the actual functions, but research demonstrates that those long-lasting brain changes are responsible for the distortions of cognitive and emotional functioning that characterize addicts. In particular the compulsion to use drugs that is the essence of drug addiction. It is almost as if the drugs and alcohol have switched the brains normal circuits and rewired it self resulting in drug and alcohol use becoming the main priority for the individual.
It is clear to most of us in the field of drug addiction and alcoholism that when an individual reaches this stage that the most effective course of treatment lies in entering a drug rehab, addiction treatment center or facility for the treatment of alcoholism. To locate such a facility I urge you to contact a person that specializes in addiction or alcoholism treatment or a drug rehab in your local area. This brain-based view of drug addiction and alcoholism has generated substantial controversy, particularly among people who adopt their point of view and leave no more for further speculation. Many people erroneously still believe that biological and behavioral explanations are alternative or competing ways to understand phenomena. Modern science has taught that it is much too simplistic to set biology in opposition to behavior or to pit willpower against brain chemistry.
In fact, drug addiction and alcoholism involve inseparable biological and behavioral components. Many people also still believe that drug addiction is simply a failure of will or of strength of character This could not be further from the truth as research contradicts that position completely. It is important to state, that the recognition that drug addiction or alcoholism is a brain disease does not mean that the addict is simply a victim. Drug addiction and alcoholism begin with the voluntary act of using drugs or alcohol and addicts and alcoholics must participate in and take responsibility for their recovery. Thus, having this brain disease does not absolve the addict of responsibility for his or her behavior, but it does explain why an addict cannot simply stop using drugs using willpower alone.
Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment, alcohol and drug rehab facility. Addiction treatment information and free live help 24/7 is being provided online at RecoveryConnection.org .
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Please if youe site has printable info could you please e-mail me concerning addictions. I cannot download on my work computer but would apperciate any info you can send also would apperciate any direct mail I could receive. I feel this site is very benifical and would love to learn more.
Thank You.
Just copy and paste into Word or notepad. That’s fine.
That’s interesting a much of the information on this site. I believe it has a lot to do with the brain. That would explain way some people can drink and not become addicts, or why some people do not drink at all. Depending on your brain, body and life experience, you can generally assume that all of these factors are attributed to alcohol abuse or lack there of.
we have Doctors that will explain this,though most of us try and keep it simple and stay in the solution and not the problem.http://www.soberliving.com
It was really nice going through the post. Thanks for sharing your views and opinions on alcoholism and drug abuse with reference to the human brain.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence is a disease that includes four symptoms:
Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get high.
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking.
Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I will surely recommend this blog of yours.
That’s informative. I’ve bookmarked it and will forward to all of my friends to read it..
very informative Bill…I agree with your brain based approach. I also believe there is room for the biological aspect regarding genetics. There is alcoholism on my fathers side and I lost my sister to alcoholism in 2001. But regarding the “change” that occurs to the brain….this answers many questions such as why addicts relapse after 10 or 20 years and pick up right where they left off. I know this from experience too. Great article…may I quote you? Godspeed….Luke
Thank you for an interesting article. I appreciate you bringing up the competing theories on the cause of addiction, and acknowledging that multiples factors are involved. It seems many tend to argue the disease concept to the exclusion of free will and personal responsibility. It is true that it is the addict’s choice to initially consume whatever substance they are addicted to, which sets off the physical cravings that lead to consuming more. That initial choice may be conditioned by many factors, it is a complex matter. Thank you for pointing out the oversimplicity of limiting the cause of addiction to a single theory.