Is Addiction A Disease?
While some addictive behaviours do not fit the standard definition of disease, certain addictions which take a toll on your physical and mental health are just that. A disease, just like chronic addiction, will impede the normal functioning of the body and brain and is manifested by visible distinguishing signs and symptoms. In this sense addiction is indeed a disease. Let us look closely at the phenomenon of addiction as a disease in this article.
“Addiction or alcoholism is a disease because it fits the definition of disease. It is progressive and chronic, and left untreated, it can kill you.”
Addiction and Disease Defined
Merely looking at the definitions of both terms, it becomes quite clear that addiction and disease have striking similarities between them.
Addiction is defined as a complex but treatable disease that affects the brain function and behaviour. By extension, our brains control the functions of our body, and so if the brain is diseased through addiction, the same goes for our physical self.
Disease is defined as an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant. It is a condition that prevents the body and mind from working properly and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms.
Another similarity between addiction and disease has to do with genetics. Physicians consider someone’s genetic background as a precursor to having a high chance of developing certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, or glaucoma. The same applies to those suffering from addiction. It is no surprise that certain addictions (alcoholism) can be exhibited by family members going back a few generations.
Addiction: Are You To Blame For Your Choices?
We are all unique individuals and the same goes for how we respond to addictive substances. How our brains respond to substances differs from person to person. Some never get addicted to smoking, even though two individuals from similar socio-economic backgrounds can try smoking at a young age and only one of them becomes addicted. This is not to say that an addicted person can not stop abusing substances, it just means that it is harder for them to quit.
What is important to understand here is that the best way of providing help through treatment is to acknowledge and not blame the addict for having such a disease.
People who suffer from addiction to substances exhibit similar traits as those suffering from a curable disease. Their intention is to get better, however, they often feel helpless because addiction and disease are crippling and difficult to overcome on your own. When battling cancer one sees an oncologist. When battling addiction, one seeks help from qualified therapists through therapy, detox, and rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one are seeking help for alcohol or drug addictions, fill out the form to begin your path to recovery.
