When we hear the word “addiction,” we often think of a template: a person from the street who has lost control, made the “wrong choice,” ruined his or her life because of a weakness of character. But it’s actually much deeper than that. Modern science is increasingly saying that addiction is not a choice, it is a disease, as real as diabetes or hypertension.
Let’s look at why it is so important to change the attitude towards addiction and what not only medicine but also real life has to say about it.
What happens to the brain of an addicted person
When a person starts using drugs, alcohol, or even gambling, a chain of reactions is triggered in their brain. At first, everything seems to be “under control”, but over time, physiological changes in brain function occur.
Dopamine plays a major role – it is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. When we eat something, fall in love or achieve a goal, the brain produces dopamine. But addictive substances or activities trigger an unnaturally high release of dopamine. The body “remembers” this level of pleasure and starts demanding it again and again.
Over time:
- The pleasure centers of the brain are reorganizedand become less sensitive. Now a person needs more and more substance or stimulation to feel even fleeting satisfaction.
- The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for self-control, judgment and decision-making ability, begins to work worse. This is why an addicted person often commits actions that he or she condemns later.
- A vicious circle emerges: desire → use → brief effect → guilt and shame → increased craving → new use.
This is not weakness. It’s a neurochemical hijacking of the brain from which it’s almost impossible to get out of without help.
Why addiction is a chronic disease
When we say “disease”, we mean a condition that requires long-term treatment, supervision, and support. Addiction fits these criteria perfectly.
Compare:
| Parameter | Diabetes | Drug/alcohol abuse |
| Chronic in nature | Yes | Yes |
| Possibility of recurrence | Yes | Yes |
| Need therapy and monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Role of genetics and environment | Yes | Yes |
The world’s medical organizations, including the WHO and the American Medical Association, have long recognized addiction as a chronic brain disorder.
The fact that someone goes into remission for 5 years and then has a breakdown is not a failure. It’s the nature of the disease. Just as an asthma patient can have another attack if he or she is in a dusty room.
Why the idea of “it’s their choice” hurts people
It seems logical: “no one forced you to drink or use drugs, it’s your own fault”. But such thinking is toxic and dangerous for several reasons:
- Shame kills motivation for treatment. People addicted to substances often do not seek help because they fear judgment. Guilt and social isolation only reinforce addiction and hinder recovery.
- Society focuses on punishment rather than help. Instead of rehabilitation – prison, instead of therapy – dismissal and isolation. This approach does not solve the problem, but only exacerbates it, creating a vicious circle of relapse and marginalization.
- Families are destroyed because they do not know what to do about it. Family members often consider the addict a liar and a traitor, not realizing that he is trapped by his disease. This leads to broken relationships and deprives the person of a crucial resource – the support of loved ones.
- As long as we continue to see addiction as a “character problem,” people continue to die. Without a change in public perception, access to effective help for addicts remains limited.
As long as we continue to see addiction as a “character problem,” people continue to die.
Addiction treatment: how a medical approach helps
When addiction is treated as a disease, a person has a chance at recovery rather than just “getting over it.”
What treatment involves:
- Detoxification (detox): safely ridding the body of a substance under medical supervision. This helps avoid severe withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of complications early in treatment.
- Psychotherapy: individual or group sessions to get to the root of the addiction. Therapy teaches the patient new ways to cope with stress and overcome cravings without returning to old habits.
- Medication: Medications that help reduce cravings or manage symptoms. Modern medications such as naltrexone or buprenorphine help stabilize the condition and prevent relapses.
- Community support: Alcoholics Anonymous groups, drug addiction groups, and others. Connecting with people who have had similar experiences creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.
- Working with the family: to break stereotypes and create a safe environment. Educating loved ones helps them understand the nature of addiction and effectively support the recovery process.
As with any disease, individualized treatment, regular monitoring, and most importantly, non-judgmental support are important.
What we can change as a society
Many of us are not addicts or psychologists. But everyone can have an impact on what the future will be like for people living with addiction.
Here’s where you can start:
- Stop using accusatory language: not “it’s your own fault” but “needs help.” This change in rhetoric reduces shame among addicts and motivates them to seek treatment.
- Support harm reduction initiatives such as naloxone distribution, needle exchange, and hotlines. These programs have proven effective in reducing deaths and infections.
- Participate in education: tell friends, acquaintances, and children that addiction is a disease and it is treatable. The more people who understand the nature of addiction, the less stigma and the better chance of recovery for those suffering.
- Be present, not turn away. Sometimes just accepting a person is a step towards recovery. The support of loved ones is crucial to successful rehabilitation and relapse prevention.
Addiction is not a choice that can be “undone” like a change of clothes. It is a powerful biological and psychological condition that can destroy a person and a life. But like any disease, it can be treated.
And as long as we continue to treat addiction as a “sin” or “vice,” we are losing thousands of people who could be helped.
It’s time to move away from judgment and toward understanding. Because recovery is easier when you are supported rather than blamed.