Disease Model of Addiction
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Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease and chronic disorder that affects how you think, feel and act. This is because of the changes that happen in your brain because of any addiction, including alcohol addiction. There are many opinions about addiction and we at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project believe it’s essential for people with addiction to know it’s not a moral failing. Instead the disease model of addiction helps you understand why you struggle with addiction and how treatment can give you the tools to heal and move on.
What is the Disease Model of Addiction?
The disease model of addiction is a framework that views addiction as a chronic brain disorder characterised by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. This model recognises addiction is a medical condition that requires long term treatment like diabetes or heart disease. By recognising addiction as a disease we can understand that people may have a genetic predisposition to addiction. Also changes in brain structure and function because of substance use play a big role in the development and maintenance of addiction. This perspective helps to shift the focus from blaming the person to addressing the medical and psychological aspects of the condition, recognizing it as a substance use disorder.
The Disease Model of Addiction
Many people think addiction is the person’s fault for not being able to control themselves from addictive behaviours. But that’s not true. The disease model of addiction helps explain how addiction affects a person’s brain, body and actions. This model helps you understand why you struggle with addiction and how treatment can be adjusted to help you heal.
Addiction is a chronic disease that causes compulsive actions that are hard to control and often have negative consequences to a person’s life, like drug addiction. It’s when a person continues their addiction behaviours despite the negative impact on their life and the lives of those they love. There’s no single factor that predicts if a person will struggle with addiction. But genetics, environment and developmental factors all play a role in the disease model of addiction. They explain why some people struggle with addiction and others don’t.
Addiction as a Brain Disease: A History
The idea of addiction as a brain disease first emerged in the early 1900s. By 1956 the American Medical Association (AMA) defined alcoholism as an illness. By 1987 multiple organisations defined addiction as a disease.
The change in understanding of addiction is with a combination of social changes and medical advances. Before this shift in the definition of addiction, many people believed addiction was due to lack of willpower or a moral issue. But the change in the definition of addiction has led the way to the mental health, medical and social understanding of addiction.
The Brain Disease Model Explained
The brain disease model of addiction explains addiction is a brain disease that affects the brain’s reward system and causes compulsive substance use. Repeated use of drugs causes significant changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for judgment, decision making, and behaviour control, as a result of substance abuse. These changes can be long term or even permanent and can persist even after substance use has stopped. Unlike moral or behavioural models which view addiction as a choice or moral failing, the brain disease model looks at the biological and neurological basis of addiction. This understanding is key to developing effective treatment that addresses the root cause of substance use.
Brain Changes from Substance Use
The brain has many circuits that help us take care of our needs including positive reward circuits. These circuits or patterns use neurotransmitters that affect how we feel. Essentially, certain behaviours cause these patterns in the brain to start and end with us feeling good because of the type of neurotransmitters released. This release helps to reinforce healthy and helpful behaviours like reproduction, spending time with loved ones and eating.
One of the main neurotransmitters used in a reward circuit in the brain is dopamine. Unfortunately dopamine is also released from using many substances and certain unhealthy behaviours. In fact substance use causes massive surges of dopamine in the brain which disrupts the reward circuit. Brain imaging studies have shown how substance use changes brain structure and function and gives us insight into the neurobiology of addiction. Research conducted by institutions like the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) has been instrumental in uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction.
These high levels of dopamine makes the brain less responsive to smaller amounts of dopamine. So the behaviours that caused the bigger release of dopamine will become more important in the brain. So over time a person becomes less interested in activities they used to enjoy. Instead they become driven to continue to use substances and do activities that are less healthy but cause high levels of dopamine.
Environment and Addiction
Environmental factors play a big role in addiction and recovery. Triggers like people, places and things associated with substance use can be a primary cause of relapse. Emphasising environmental factors doesn’t fall outside the disease model of addiction. In fact understanding the environmental factors that contribute to addiction can help individuals develop strategies to avoid triggers and stay sober. Factors like poverty, trauma and social isolation can increase an individual’s vulnerability to addiction. By recognising these factors we can develop more comprehensive treatment plans that address both the environmental and biological aspects of substance use disorders. Integrating medical treatments with psychological and social support can enhance recovery outcomes and address the complexities of addiction in a holistic way.
Trauma, Mental Health, and Addiction
Trauma and mental health disorders are often closely linked to addiction. Research has shown that individuals who have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, are more likely to develop addiction. This is because trauma can affect the brain’s stress response system, leading to increased cravings for substances that provide temporary relief. Additionally, mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also contribute to addiction. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to develop substance use disorders.
The relationship between trauma, mental health, and addiction is complex, and it is often difficult to determine which came first. However, it is clear that addressing underlying trauma and mental health issues is crucial for effective addiction treatment. This may involve therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their risk of relapse.
Critiques and Debates
The disease model of addiction has been subject to various critiques and debates. Some critics argue that the model oversimplifies the complex issues surrounding addiction and that it does not take into account the role of personal responsibility and free will. Others argue that the model is too focused on the biological aspects of addiction and that it neglects the social and environmental factors that contribute to addiction.
One of the main critiques of the disease model is that it can be overly stigmatizing. By labeling addiction as a disease, some argue that it can perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding addiction. This can make it more difficult for individuals to seek help, and can perpetuate the cycle of addiction.
Another critique of the disease model is that it can be overly simplistic. Addiction is a complex issue that involves multiple factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental factors. By reducing addiction to a single disease model, some argue that it can oversimplify the issue and neglect the complexity of addiction.
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Managing Addiction as a Chronic Circumstances
Addiction is often viewed as a chronic condition, rather than a curable disease. This means that individuals with addiction must learn to manage their condition over time, rather than expecting a quick fix. This can involve a range of strategies, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
One of the key components of managing addiction as a chronic condition is medication. Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to manage their addiction. Additionally, medications such as naltrexone can help to reduce the pleasurable effects of substances, making it less likely that individuals will relapse.
Therapy is also an important component of managing addiction as a chronic condition. Therapies such as CBT and DBT can help individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their risk of relapse. Additionally, support groups such as 12-step programs can provide individuals with a sense of community and support, which can be crucial for managing addiction.
Lifestyle changes are also an important component of managing addiction as a chronic condition. This can involve changes to diet, exercise, and sleep habits, as well as avoiding triggers and high-risk situations. By making these changes, individuals can reduce their risk of relapse and improve their overall health and well-being.
Overall, managing addiction as a chronic condition requires a comprehensive approach that involves medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. By working with a healthcare provider and making these changes, individuals can learn to manage their addiction and improve their overall health and well-being.
Trauma, Mental Health and Addiction
Trauma and mental health disorders are often associated with addiction. Some see addiction as a way of coping with trauma or other mental health conditions. Effective addiction treatment should focus on healing the underlying issues not just the symptoms of addiction. Dr Gabor Mate says childhood trauma or early life adversity affects a child’s brain development and makes them more vulnerable to addiction. Understanding the link between trauma, mental health and addiction can help individuals develop more effective treatment plans that address the root of their addiction. By doing so we can offer a more holistic approach to recovery that promotes long term healing and well being, ultimately improving outcomes for those with substance use disorder.
Treatment using the Disease Model of Addiction
When the disease model of addiction is understood, treatment involves medical treatment and healing from the chronic disorder of addiction. Detox helps individuals to heal physically by stopping the use of a substance or behaviour under the care of professionals and managing withdrawal symptoms. Each individual’s treatment path is unique but often involves both detox and addiction treatment. Detox helps individuals to heal physically by stopping the use of a substance or behaviour under the care of professionals. This helps individuals to get out of addiction.
But addiction treatment is more than just detoxing. During addiction treatment the root causes of addiction are addressed. This may be past trauma, mental health issues or changes in lifestyle. Whatever the specifics through addiction treatment based on the disease model of addiction individuals learn how to live their lives without using substances or unhealthy behaviours.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Addiction
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy that works by identifying negative thoughts and behaviours. CBT focuses on the interaction between our thoughts and behaviours, helping individuals with addiction identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their substance use. This therapy also helps develop coping skills and strategies to manage cravings and other symptoms of addiction. By addressing the underlying cognitive and behavioural factors that contribute to addiction CBT can be an effective treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. This empowers individuals to take control of their thoughts and behaviours and get on the path to a healthier, substance-free life.
Addressing Shame in Treatment
Many individuals misunderstand addiction as a moral failing. They question the role of free will in their addiction. So many individuals come into addiction treatment with shame around their addiction. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project we address these thoughts and feelings. It’s an important part of the healing process.
For individuals to heal from the shame they learn about addiction being a disease. Treatment at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project includes this type of education so people can move towards a path that actually helps them heal. Defining addiction as a disease doesn’t mean they can’t change. Just they’re not at fault for having an addiction. These small changes in understanding addiction gives people a way forward on their journey of recovery.
Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease that affects the brain not a moral failing of any kind. To find out more about addiction and how addiction treatment works when addiction is understood as a disease call PCP – The Perry Clayman Project today 08000 380 480.