Understanding Addiction as a Disease

Brain's Reward Center

• Dopamine: Released when we engage in activities like eating, drinking, intimacy.
• Purpose: Encourages repetition of activities vital for survival.
• Prioritization: Activities releasing more dopamine take priority (e.g., eating over video games).

Drugs and Dopamine

• Substances: Alcohol and drugs cause significant dopamine release.
• Misleading the Brain: Brain perceives these substances as necessary.

Transition from Use to Addiction

• Indicators: Interference with achieving personal goals, problems at work/home, physical side effects.

Addiction as a Disease

• Recognition: American Medical Association recognized alcoholism as an illness in 1956; as both psychiatric and medical in 1991.
• Disease Criteria:
  • Biological in nature
  • Not self-caused
  • Observable symptoms
  • Predictable development and recovery
  • Impact of treatment on recovery
• Comparison: Chronic disease similar to diabetes or hypertension.

Factors Contributing to Addiction

• Genetics: Children of addicted parents are six times more likely to be addicted.
• Complexity: Involves biology, altered brain function, psychology (stress, anxiety), social and environmental factors.

Signs of Addiction

• Behavioral Signs:
  • Changes in daily activities, relationships, goals, motivation.
• Physical Signs:
  • Changes in weight, skin appearance, sleep, energy levels.

Barriers to Treatment

• Awareness: Lack of awareness of addiction.
• Denial/Rationalization: Rationalizing substance use.
• Fear: Fear of detox, shame, stigma.
• Logistics: Cost and time constraints.

Important Considerations

• Nature of Addiction: It's not a moral failing or a lack of will.
• Scope: Affects physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects.
• Inclusivity: Can affect anyone.

Call to Action

• Seeking Help: Encouragement to reach out for help if needed.