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Introduction
Drug addiction is a brain disease is a phrase that implies that substances rewire the brain on a neurological level. Many scientists consider drug addiction similar to diseases that require direct medical intervention. There is supporting evidence for various perspectives, including the perception of addiction as a disease, a psychological dysfunction, or even a habit. The current essay examines the credibility of the drug addiction is a brain disease statement and provides a personal opinion on the topic.
Argument Evidence
At present, the general consensus in the academic community is that drug addiction acts similarly to neurological diseases. In 1997, Alan Leshner enforced the perspective that addiction is a brain disease, and this view has been dominant ever since (Heilig et al., 2021). The primary supporting evidence was that substances directly affected the brain, with addiction being the most acute phase of substance use disorder (SUD) (Heilig et al., 2021). This perspective holds true; however, recent research has attempted to look at addiction through the lens of less severe psychological complications. For instance, Lewis (2018) claims that brain changes during SUD resemble the process of learning more than a neurological disease. Ultimately, there are arguments for both perspectives, but it is undoubtedly that addiction significantly affects the brain, whether as a disease or an unhealthy coping habit.
Social Justice
Moreover, the examined diseased brain theory has changed how society perceives drug addicts. It primarily concerns therapies that shift the focus from the negative stigma to positive reinforcement. For instance, Pickard (2017) acknowledges that most people usually perceive drug addicts as weak-willed individuals, but it is crucial to change this perception because SUD significantly affects the brain. Hence, social justice principles have slightly changed from disapproval of drug addiction to the understanding that it is a highly dangerous disease, and addicts need help instead of social reprimand.
Conclusion
At present, addiction is a brain disease is the dominant theory in neurology, but there is evidence that supports the idea that SUD is similar to the learning process. Personally, I believe that the single factor that influences drug addiction the most is the accessibility of substances. When an individual is distressed, they are tempted with an easy coping strategy in the form of alcohol and drugs. As a result, since substances are widely accessible, people start to acquire unhealthy habits, which might eventually lead to addiction.
References
Heilig, M., MacKillop, J., Martinez, D., Rehm, J., Leggio, L., & Vanderschuren, L. J. (2021). Addiction as a brain disease revised: Why it still matters, and the need for consilience. Neuropsychopharmacology, 46(10), 1715-1723.
Lewis, M. (2018). Brain change in addiction as learning, not disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(16), 1551-1560.
Pickard, H. (2017). Responsibility without blame for addiction. Neuroethics, 10(1), 169-180.
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