Is Drug Addiction a Disease?
You might have noticed that some people struggle to quit drugs, while quitting drugs is easier for other people. So, is this quitting possible just because of willpower, or is there a science behind it? For decades, scientists and doctors have studied this question and have come up with a powerful explanation that drug addiction can not just be labeled as a choice rather it is a brain disease. Understanding the changes in the brain happening at that time can help in better healing and recovery.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is also referred to as a substance disorder, and it is a chronic condition that interferes with the reward system of the brain. Repeated drug intake alters the brain chemistry, and the brain starts to crave that drug, making it extremely difficult to stop.
To understand the broader concept of addiction, check out our full guide What is Addiction.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug addiction is comparable to other chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cardiac diseases that require ongoing management and not just short-term willpower.
Why We Avoid Help
After knowing what drug addiction is, let’s move towards the next thing, which is why people avoid it. Drug addiction is still stigmatized and considered a moral failing or a weakness, despite the scientific evidence. Due to this people often fear seeking help. Recognizing addiction as a disease lifts that burden, as when the brain is affected, treatment and recovery are possible, just like any other illness.
Signs You May Benefit from Therapy
You might need professional help if:
- You are unable to stop using drugs even if you want to.
- Your health, relationships, or work is being affected.
- When you try to quit, withdrawal symptoms appear
- You find yourself thinking of drugs most of the time.
- You increase the use under stress, trauma, or mental health struggles.
Why Is Drug Addiction a Disease?
Addiction is classified as a disease due to several reasons, including;
- It alters the regions of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex.
- It changes the function of the pleasure chemical “Dopamine”
- Compulsive behaviours that are difficult to control.
This scientific evidence shifts the perspective of blame to treatment.
Risk of Disease: Drug Addiction
Drug addiction increases the risk of;
- Heart diseases and stroke
- Liver damage and hepatitis
- Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression
- HIV/AIDS from unsafe practices
Diseases Caused by Drug Addiction
Prolonged drug abuse results in
- Respiratory disorders
- Kidney failure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurological damage
Drug Addiction: A Disease or a Choice?
Initially, trying drugs is a choice, but later, after repeated use it alters the brain chemistry which ultimately results in loss of self-control. So, in the beginning, it is a behaviour, then it evolves into a disease.
How Is Drug Addiction a Disease?
Drug addiction is a disease because;
- Chronic
- Relapsing
- Treatable
What Makes Drug Addiction a Disease?
According to the American Society Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction causes dysfunction in the brain reward, motivation, and memory-related circuitry which alters the biological, psychological, and social factors. This makes quitting extremely difficult without professional help.
When Did Drug Addiction Become a Disease?
The American Medical Association (AMA) officially recognized alcoholism as a disease in 1956 and expanded the classification to include drug addiction in the 1980s. Since then, global health organizations have supported the medical model of addiction.
How Saalvio Helps in Recovery
Saalvio offers;
- Journaling and CBT-based trackers
- Psychoeducation videos
- Guided meditations for stress and relapse triggers
- Online sessions with qualified therapists
Judgement-Free Recovery
Recovery is not about blame, but rather healing. Book a free consultation with an expert therapist with Saalvio App, and explore Saalvio’s tools to guide you in your journey of recovery.
Remember, drug addiction is a treatable and manageable disease; relapse isn’t the end and recovery is always possible. Saalvio is here for you!