Disease of Addiction

Submitted by Mark Berman Thu 04/28/2011

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There is an argument in the medical and psychological community about the disease of addiction -- is addiction a disease? Some think it is not, that addiction is a matter of choices and self control and not a disease of addiction. Others say it is indeed a disease.

A report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse said it is "a real and complex disease."

On the disease of addiction It writes:

Drug addiction shares many features with other chronic illnesses, including a tendency to run in families (heritability), an onset and course that is influenced by environmental conditions and behavior, and the ability to respond to appropriate treatment, which may include long-term lifestyle modification.

NIDA said studies on the disease of addiction have shown that genetics as well as the environment in which they are raised and live play a role in an addict's condition -- just like many other medical conditions.

However, NIDA does admit that in some cases in the disease of addiction, genetics plays absolutely no role:

Sometimes people do choose behaviors that have undesirable effects. Personal responsibility and behavioral change are major components of any credible treatment program.

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