Are we responsible for our addiction?

According to the disease model, addicts are neither responsible nor to blame; their condition is the result of a disease that has taken hold, and so the negative consequences of drug use are no one’s fault – in so far as we can “blame” anything it is the disease itself.

What are the key features of addiction *?

The signs and symptoms vary from one addiction type to another, but some common symptoms of addiction include:

• An inability to stop.
• Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep.
• Continuing despite negative consequences.
• Denial.
• Engaging in risky behaviors.
• Feeling preoccupied with the substance or behavior.

Is addiction considered a disease by the AMA?

The American Medical Association (AMA) classified alcoholism as a disease in 1956 and included addiction as a disease in 1987. In 2011 the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) joined the AMA, defining addiction as a chronic brain disorder, not a behavior problem, or just the result of making bad choices.

What is moral model?

The ‘moral model’ holds that the root cause of problematic AOD use is an individual’s inherent moral weakness and lack of will power. This view has also been applied to particular communities and even races of people.

What do you understand by addiction?

Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. The term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine.

When did drug addiction become classified as a disease?

being a disease first surfaced early in the 19th century. In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) de- clared alcoholism an illness, and in 1987, the AMA and other medical organizations officially termed addiction a disease (Lesh- ner, 1997).

What is the social learning model of addiction?

Applied to addictions, the social learning model suggests that drug and alcohol use are learned behaviors and that such behaviors persist because of differential reinforcement from other individuals, from the environment, from thoughts and feelings, and from the direct consequences of drug or alcohol use.

Why should we invest in addiction treatment programs?

Directing funding toward addiction treatment will reduce crime, treat the underlying causes of addiction, and even treat co-occurring mental health problems. Addiction treatment programs will stop the revolving door effect of jails. In addition to actually treating addiction, funding addiction treatment actually costs less than incarcerations.

Why don’t we treat addicts?

Addicts are often denied treatment that would not only improve their lives, but would improve our own lives as well by cutting crime, reducing disease, and improving the productivity of employees and the economy. People are polarized on the issue of treatment: they are either strong advocates for treating addiction or they hate the idea.

Is addiction treatment overlooked by health care system?

Unfortunately, with the disease of addiction, there is a serious gap between evidenced-based treatment and practice — no other disease where proper and useful treatment is available is as overlooked by the health care system. The root of the problem is twofold.

How can we end the growing addiction epidemic?

The only hope for ending the growing addiction epidemic is to change our mindset and accept addiction as a disease. Instead of locking away someone experiencing a drug or alcohol problem or treating them as outcasts, drug policy should be completely overhauled to treat addiction as a health problem.