Why Addiction Is A Brain Disease Discussion Reply

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Why Addiction is a Brain Disease 

         Addiction is generally described as a chronic brain system dysfunction involving reward, memory and motivation that prompts an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior that causes physiological and psychological harm (Heilig et al., 2021). The reason it is classified as a brain disorder is that it affects brain circuits related to reward, stress, and self-control functions differently (Ahmed et al., 2013). Once someone stops using drugs, the changes might not go away for a while. Many disorders and diseases, including heart disease, are similar to addiction. In many circumstances, both are avoidable and curable, both have major negative impacts, and they both interfere with an organ’s regular, healthy functioning (Ahmed et al., 2013). They can take a lifetime to cure and can even be fatal if ignored. 

The Role of Dopamine in Addiction 

         Dopamine is a chemical in our brain also known as a neurotransmitter, that transmits nerve cell signals in our brain (Heilig et al., 2021). When something we perceive to be good is generated in our systems, that’s when dopamine neurons are activated (Heilig et al., 2021). Different people need different pleasures and rewards to get enough dopamine neuron. A food addict’s neurons get activated with the bite of a juicy hamburger, or a sex addict’s dopamine is released when viewing adult visual images. Similarly, an alcoholic gets that same rush of dopamine when that first drink is sipped. 

         Dopamine plays a vital role in mental health, addiction and movement. A link between the release of dopamine and the use of stimulant drugs is undeniable. Chronic users of cocaine, alcohol and methamphetamine have demonstrated reduced dopamine availability in the brain (Ahmed et al., 2013). While dopamine clearly plays an important role in addiction, it only makes up one part of a highly complex set of factors that cause an individual to develop addictive behavior patterns (Ahmed et al., 2013). 

Treating Addiction with Medication 

         The use of medicine to treat addiction issues has drawn criticism from several academics, researchers, medical professionals, and ex-addicts. This is due to the fact that many addiction treatment paths have a clear objective of breaking free from pharmaceutical drugs (Heilig et al., 2021). To deliberately ignore the physiological impacts and other advantages of drug use in recovery, however, is impracticable. A short- and long-term sustainable road to a level of life that may be difficult to acquire can be made possible with the use of prescription drugs. This is due to the fact that medicine aids in the processes of detoxification, early intervention, and long-term mental health management (Heilig et al., 2021). Since addiction is defined as a serious condition, it should be treated with medicine, just like other disorders that have a major impact on the lives of a large number of people worldwide (Ahmed et al., 2013). 

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References 

Ahmed, S. H., Lenoir, M., & Guillem, K. (2013). Neurobiology of addiction versus drug use driven by lack of choice. Current opinion in neurobiology, 23 (4), 581-587. 

Heilig, M., MacKillop, J., Martinez, D., Rehm, J., Leggio, L., & Vanderschuren, L. J. (2021).  Addiction as a brain disease revised: why it still matters, and the need for consilience. Neuropsychopharmacology, 46 (10), 1715-1723