Is Addiction Really a Disease ?

Reality Check: Is Addiction Really a Disease?

When I ask this question “Is addiction really a disease?” from people, some say yes while others reply in the negative. Then what is the reality? After thoroughly researching the subject, I would have to say that yes, addiction is really a disease. In the words of Benjamin Rush, well-known physician and one of founding fathers of U.S. ‘Alcoholism is medical disease and when person drinks alcohol he loses control over himself’.

Scientific researches have indicated that addiction causes degenerative changes in nerve cells of the brain leading to creation of abnormal transmission of nerve impulses. This can ultimately result in unusual mental and physical effects.

Let us highlight how addiction qualifies for a disease:

• Addiction is responsible for cessation and interruption of several body functions and organs- Excessive drinking leads to chemical and physical changes in brain, behavioral abnormalities and cirrhosis of liver. In fact, alcoholics are more susceptible to heart attacks than those who do not drink.
• Addiction is characterized by known etiologic agents- There are several factors like genetics, drug of choice and environment that are potential causal factors for Substance Abuse. The sooner a person is exposed to drugs and alcohol, the more profound is the effect of etiologic agents on their brains
• Addiction creates anatomical alterations of human body system- There is clear evidence that with heavier doses of alcohol and drugs, brain metabolism changes and with this temptation to take more doses drastically increases.
• Substance abuse produces predictable signs and symptoms- Frequent and heavy consumption produces several problems such as subjective distress, occupational problems, social issues, interpersonal conflicts and cognitive decline.
• Chemical dependence – Addiction or chemical dependence is one of the major causes of death in the USA. Drug and alcohol related disorders are highly responsible for deaths caused due to accidents, cirrhosis, cancer and heart disease.

Addiction

According to National Institute for Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, alcoholism is 3^rd most frequent cause of death in United States of America.

I am sure, till now I have provided sufficient evidence and facts that show that addiction is a threatening disease that can affect a person mentally, physically, socially and even financially. But, the good news is that treatment of substance abuse is easily possible. Behavioral health centers like Quapaw house are well known for successfully treating several victims of alcohol addiction and substance abuse through their holistic detoxification, transitional living, outpatient and residential programs.

Summary- Life is precious, so don’t waste it for temporary pleasure. Addiction is no less than a full-fledged disease with its own signs and symptoms. I would advise to seek professional help as soon as you notice the first sign of addiction in yourself or a loved one.