One of the most contended questions in the de-addiction world is, “is drug abuse considered a brain disease or a problem of one’s malfunctioning willpower?” Many scientific research groups defend the disease model, stating, “Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her.” They are of the view that an individual will experience several relapses until full recovery is attained just like how patients with asthma and diabetes recover. To an extent, there is an element of truth in this model since we see that brain structures and function are rewired after repetitive usage of drugs.
This brings out the reality that there is also the element of choice and willpower that acts as a precursor to the problem behavior. World’s leading experts Neuroscientist expert, Dr. Marc Lewis expresses that it is often not the drug that is the problem, usage of drugs does not automatically lead to addiction, however it is the habitual usage over a period of time, which creates a pathway for addiction in the brain that leads to disease conditions. We can understand this pathway using the following analogy:
Consider the essential elements that help a car move i.e. the steering wheel, engine and fuel. Our brain on drugs has similar mechanisms which is known as the “reward system”: consisting of the Pre Frontal Cortex “the gear & brakes”, Midbrain “The Pump” and Striatum “the engine”. Everyday pleasurable activities such as eating, socializing, sexual intimacy and leisure activity that is necessary for survival are run by the reward system. “The gear and brakes” of brain helps prevent us from bad decisions and controlling our impulses, “the pump” releases the pleasure chemical called dopamine which leads the “the engine” to run, whenever we engage in our everyday pleasurable activities.
When people use drug regularly, the “gear and brakes” become impaired, which is fatal for safety. Relapse frequently happens because each time the “addicted” brain is exposed to a cue, it experiences a rush of pleasure, which the brain craves for more. Most of the time, the person might not even be aware of the cue, but it can unconsciously control the “gear and breaks” system.
In this manner a pathway for addiction is developed. Hence, the drug is not the problem, it’s the problem of giving in, every time the craving kicks in. It’s the learnt habit that unfortunately destroy the parts of the brain that is critical for daily brain functioning. Hence it can be safe to say that drug addiction is more of a disease of the willpower that is learnt and can be unlearnt with the right interventions. This model of addiction doesn’t subscribe to the belief of “once an addict, always an addict”, in fact it empowers and envisions change through the right treatment and interventions.
So how does one go about the process of treatment?
Here are the key elements that are crucial for change and recovery:
Avoiding Triggers. (For example, Saying “No” to Rum cake during Christmas)
Taking on new positive coping methods when faced with temptation (For example, visiting a friend when tempted to use, instead of isolating)
Celebrating success wen abstaining from usage. (For example, baking cookies for going one week without using)
Making a commitment to change and believing in oneself (For example, having a “I can do this” attitude)
Seeking support in positive relationships (For example, having accountability friends whom you share your struggle with)
Do you want to bring awareness to the community on this matter?
Read our next article, “Resolving Drug Addiction from the Grassroots”! Feel free to contact us to access resources, individual counselling or online workshops if you are passionate about making a difference.
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