This question is going to challenge and change the primitive beliefs around addiction of any sort. We tend to look down upon people with addiction. In this regard, often people judge addicts and classify them among people with bad characters, habits, and reputations. There are over 21 million people in America having an addiction to at least one substance. However, only 10% of them get treatment.
The main reason for this low treatment rate is our degrading attitude towards addicts and lack of knowledge. In this regard, society has a pivotal role to play. We have a very poor understanding of what addiction is actually. Well, this article will surely turn the tables. Because we will be exploring that whether addiction is a brain disease or not, let us find out.
The answer is yes! Addiction is a brain disorder. It is a chronic illness of the human brain. Addiction is connected with the neurological structuring of the brain. It is not linked with behavioural manifestations and problems of a person. This is the complete opposite of what we have been thinking for so many years.
Although, it came to light only a few years ago. Still, this finding has shocked the masses. Researching about this aspect started in the 1990s. Now, it is not about the addict’s character or stature. It is definitely all about the inner built and functioning of the human brain.
Let us have a look at the correct definition of addiction.
Definition of Addiction
In 2011, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) came up with a rational and updated definition of addiction. Letus see.
“Addiction is a chronic medical condition. It involves complex interactions between human brain circuits, genetics, life experiences, and circumstances.”
As we can see, experts have stated a clear definition of addiction. This definition is changing the basic and uninformed mindsets. Now, it is evident that addiction is not a behavioural thing. It is all about the inner functioning of the human brain. In essence, it is all about the underlying neurological design of the brain.
How Does Addiction affect the Human Brain?
Drug usage directly impacts the brain’s operation by altering its patterns of functioning. This leads to the creation of long term impairments to the main areas of the brain. These alterations foster a brain disorder. This results in addiction and makes it hard for the person to leave drugs.
Let us know about other ways through which drugs change and affect the brain.
First, drug consumption strengthens and intensifies the conditioned responses. This also includes the stress reaction. That, in turn, triggers powerful cravings for drugs or alcohol. Now, if these cravings are not satisfied, it results in negative emotions.
Next, drug usage drains the brain area that is responsible for executive control out of energy. This area is responsible for key decision making, self-regulation, and impulse control. All of these things also increase the chances of a relapse.
Lastly, the human brain loses its ability to sense pleasure and causes demotivation in life. Now, all these changes tell us about the interplay of the brain and drugs. This has nothing to do with human behaviour directly.
Takeaway: Good News!
Well, there is good news. Now, that it is clear that addiction is a brain disorder or an illness. That means it is treatable. Luckily, we have various treatments available that are proven to help out the addict. Some of these are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), REBT, and certain medications. Moreover, we have natural and effective treatments such as Ibogaine therapy for treating addiction. Ibogaine holds immense potential to benefit well-being, mental health, and all sorts of addictions. Please check the Ibogaine treatment cost and how does Ibogaine work.
With this, hopefully, the negative stigma around addiction will curb away. This is the start of a new era, for sure. As we become more informed about addiction due to the new definition of addiction. In this way, more and more people will seek treatments.
