You might have heard some people refer to addiction as a disease, while others claim it is nothing more than a bad habit that persists because a person lacks self-control. This confusion has lead to many people mishandling or taking the wrong steps to recovery.
According to the Surgeon General of the United States of America, The National Institution on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) for mental disorders, addiction is a legitimate disease.
A disease is an illness that affects an organ. The organ that is affected by addiction is the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex.
This is the part of the brain that is responsible for:
- Impulse control
- Logical decision making
- Ability to connect with others
The prefrontal cortex also helps regulate the flow of dopamine, which floods the brain when drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Brain scans conducted by the National Institution on Drug Abuse, reveal that the effects of drugs and alcohol are not the same for people with addictions and those without. It shows that dopamine is released in normal quantities for people without addictions, while an excess flow of dopamine is released for individuals suffering from addiction. This is a sign that the prefrontal cortex is not working properly.
Addiction is indeed a disease and like all diseases, the severity varies from person to person. As they say, “If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.” At Milestone Health & Wellness we can safely guide you on your journey of recovery.
If you have questions feel free to contact us HERE.