Why Is Addiction Considered To Be a Brain Disease?

Individuals who are addicted to any substance are suffering from a chronic brain disease in which they do not possess the ability to decide and control their cravings for a particular need. The negative personal, social or physical consequences do not have any impact on them and they are unable to find a reason to fight the craving. Most of these individuals indulge in alcohol, gambling or smoking to fight stress or feel good. The cells in one’s brain’s reward center become excited due to these drugs and eventually the chemical structure of the brain gets disturbed.  

One might wonder how some individuals are able to smoke or drink without thinking about repercussions whereas some others need to fight the urge and habit. There are certain factors that make addiction a disease and not just a state of the mind. Other than one’s genetic makeup the age at which they start engaging in the activity and the level of stress and their vulnerability are some of the key factors.

Chronic Disorder

Being addicted is not just a behavioral problem that individuals face, as it is a chronic brain disorder. After numerous researches scientists have declared that addiction is not related only to substance abuse, which has led to it being redefined. The process of research had been extended for almost four years where several experts were involved. Now, addition can no longer be considered as a moral, social or criminal problem. The actions followed after one is addicted to certain behavior make it possible to for one to conclude that it is the brain behind negative activities and not just the addiction. The response of one’s brain to addiction is the real problem that scientists plan to deal with. Experts believe that by comprehending the underlying neurology the outward actions can be controlled and cure for the disease is dealing with the brain not drugs.   

A Primary Disease

After it has been redefined addiction is recognized as the primary disease and not an after-effect of any psychiatric or emotional state. Moreover, it is quite similar to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases as it is a chronic disease. Thus, it is treated and monitored throughout one’s lifetime as researchers are not completely clear about all facts. Other than the reward circuit of the brain judgment and controlling abilities are also controlled. The reward circuit triggers happy memories concerned with alcohol, drugs or food which leads one to make wrong decisions to obtain the same pleasure again.   

Effects of the Disease

Addiction is a disease which distorts one’s ability to think, feel and perceive their surroundings which results in behavior which others consider deplorable. It is not a choice or a cause as such behavior is a manifested outcome of addiction rather than being considered as a cause, which others fail to understand.                             

However, unlike other diseases one needs to make the choice if they want it to be successfully treated. Right Path Drug Rehab offers customized addiction treatment programs suited to the individual needs of each client. Please contact us today to learn more about your options. Addiction is manageable, and we can help.