In a groundbreaking study, scientists have proved that addiction is a chronic brain disorder, not just a behavior issue as previously contended.
This revelation leads to a new definition of addiction based on the brain disfunction. The discovery comes from a four year study by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) involving over 80 scientists.
“Addiction isn’t just a social problem or a moral problem or a criminal problem. It’s a brain problem whose behaviors manifest in all these other areas,” said Dr. Michael Miller, past president of ASAM. “Many behaviors driven by addiction are real problems and sometimes criminal acts. But the disease is about brains, not drugs. It’s about underlying neurology, not outward actions.”
The new research defines addiction as a primary, chronic disease that must be treated throughout a person’s lifetime, similar to diabetes. Addiction also affects reward circuitry in the brain, altering judgment and impulse control and leading addicts illogically pursuing rewards such as alcohol and drugs for their actions.
Experts have debated for decades over whether addicts possess a choice in their behaviors. This new study proves that addiction is not a choice.
Addicts do, however, have the choice to pursue treatment. Addiction is not a disease that can be cured by taking a pill. In light of this study, it is essential that attention be focused on helping addicts find treatment options. Throwing addicts in prison for their behavior is simply not a logical or productive option.
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