What is Addiction?
Addiction is a Disease
For being a health condition that affects millions of people and their families around the world, alcohol and substance abuse are often both misunderstood and stigmatized. The reality is that addiction is a disorder.
Alcohol and drug dependence is just like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. This is displayed by the continued use of alcohol or substances even when doing so causes problems with friends, family, work, and mental or physical well-being. Addiction becomes such a strong compulsive force that it affects every part of the user's life.
Addiction has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association since 1956. The American Society of Addiction Medicine describes addiction as “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.” Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Addiction is an equal opportunity disease. It can affect any age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status, striking more than 20 million Americans - 1 in every 10 over the age of 12.
Scientific Definition
Addiction, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is classified as a primary disease. That means that it is not the symptoms of another health issue or any other problem someone might be struggling with, such as financial problems, conflict in their marriage, harsh upbringing, or mental illness. Addiction is the main disease in and of itself.
Addiction is often called a brain disease, because scientific research has identified how the brain and the chemistry in the brain are affected by alcohol use and other addictive substances. What that means is that alcohol and substance use, over time, will change how the brain and its chemicals function.
The use of a substance releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can be described as a reward or “feel-good” chemical to the brain. To keep feeding the brain with dopamine, the use has to increase along with the frequency, and also the amount used each time. Without the substance, people start to feel depressed, and the only way to get back to “normal” is to use the substance again.
The Development of Dependency
Addiction doesn’t happen quickly. It’s a complex process that occurs in the brain over long-term use of a substance. Some people are more vulnerable to developing a drug addiction. The biggest factor is genetics - people with a family history of addiction are at much greater risk. But there are other psychological and social factors that can also increase or decrease the risks. For instance, even though two people might use or drink the same amount, their brains may be affected differently when it comes to developing an addiction.
Symptoms of Dependency
Losing control
Compulsive cravings
Continued use despite it becoming harmful or problematic
Recovering from Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease, as the brain has been rewired, but like many other chronic diseases it can also be managed. Oftentimes, what it takes is outside help and the motivation to change. People who are willing to change and wish to become free from their substance abuse also see improvement in other areas of their life - social, work, school, and mental well-being. Everyone can achieve a better life, no matter their situation.
If you have questions about your loved one, co-worker, or friend we can provide some answers. Look for signs if your suspect a loved one has a substance use disorder; our clinical staff is available to conduct a confidential assessment anytime.