If drug addiction is a disease like cancer or Alzheimer's, how do you explain the seemingly amoral behavior — the lying, cheating, and hiding — that has come to be linked with so many addicts?
The answer is far simpler than you might think, at least according to neuroscience journalist and author Maia Szalavitz, whose new book, "Unbroken Brain," throws water on most of the modern assumptions that plague our understanding of drug and alcohol addiction.
Addiction, she writes, is not a disease like cancer. But it's not a moral failing, either.
Instead she proposes that it's a learning disorder, much like ADHD, and needs to be treated as such. This treatment regimen would vary based on the individual but could include things likecognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy in which the therapist and patient work together to swap unhealthy learned patterns with more constructive ways of thinking, and potentially medication.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
5 comments:
This is interesting, and I think it's true in an abstract way, but I think the main issue and driver in addiction is neurotransmitters. Your brain chemistry. It is usually off before you even start using (and that's why you self-medicate), and gets even more whacked as the addiction strengthens.
The brain chemistry issues can be addressed, and it can be done without drugs, using appropriate doses of nutritional supplements. Vitamin C and B-3 in particular, along with zinc and magnesium and a few others.
It works.
Everybody has a thing. Some people spend money on cars, some on movies. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are no different. Man is a creature of habit, and it's hard to break bad habits. Especially if in cases like heroin, the body becomes dependant on it. Most people don't want to go through the sick phase, ad some older addicts I would say, probably feel better and feelmore energized and younger when they have opiates. You can say what you want, but if a person doesn't want to change or break a habit/lifestyle, nothing will stop the person.
I'm from Missouri, SHOW ME.
Comprehensive treatment plans are proven to be effective for people who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction. Professional therapy can be an effective means of treatment.
If there are facts to support this theory, it would be hard to make a blanket statement that declares this to be true for every drug addict. Treating drug addiction takes an evaluation by a qualified individual.
Post a Comment