Addiction

I am a recovering addict and alcoholic who has been in recovery for 3.5 years. I definitely believe that addiction is a disease. Addiction has been defined as “(1) as a dysfunctional habit that has become unconscious; (2) a compulsive ritual that is no longer choice; and (3) a psychological attachment to the object, often characterized by withdrawal or intensity of symptoms when the object is removed”(Schaeffer, 2009). I believe addiction is a progressive brain disease which inhibits decision making, skews the perception of life, it progresses mental illness and once you pass over from use to addiction, it is a craving beyond mental control.

Once someone starts using a substance or behavior, it begins to change the chemicals in the brain associated with the reward system and slowly with repeated use, we become conditioned to seek more of the thing that is setting off the reward chemicals. These repeated uses release high amounts of neurotransmitters and each memory/moment of use creates pathways through the neurocircuitry which then create “highways” for the specific behaviors. I personally believe these neuropathways that become “highways” are what makes it so difficult for the addict to use willpower to overcome the attachment. When a cue or the stimulus is presented, this pathway is activated which has a strong association of neuro firing, producing cravings beyond mental control. Until new neuropathways are created with different responses, the activation will want to follow the roads it knows. As someone who works with stroke patients, I know that neuropathways can be recreated, with practice and repetition.

Another aspect of addiction is that with the depletion of neurochemicals and the creation of holes as seen on PET scans and MRIs, the perception of life, which is influenced by the “happy” chemicals, is now skewed. The mind and interpretation of experiences are warped through these depleted areas. This, in-turn, perpetuates the perception that life is not good, and we need something outside to fill this emptiness. Again, here we see the opposite side of this in the recovery process where we seek for a higher power or spiritual energy to fill the void. As well as gaining spiritual fulfillment, we are also connected with people socially and gaining a support network.

Addiction is both genetic and environmental. It is also mixed with trauma and coping mechanisms. I believe the only choice many have is if they ever start using in the first place. For others, I believe that it may start out as fun and at some point cross over to addiction due to repeated use. People who say that addiction is a choice are not at the stage of addiction nor do they understand addiction. Addiction is an attachment that cannot be overcome by willpower despite negative consequences. Addiction can come in many forms of attachment, not just drugs and alcohol. People get addicted to gambling, shopping, spending money, love/people, sex, cell phones, video games, pornography, food, plastic surgery/vanity, misery, lifestyles and so many other things.

Schaeffer, B. (2009). Is it love or is it addiction? Center City (Minn.): Hazelden.