How is addiction a disease?

[Cane2theLeft]

^there are lots of diseases that you aren't born with but acquire largely due to behaviors which also contain genetic components such as predispositions. Heart disease, diabetes, smoking-induced cancers, asthma, etc.

 

[Dedbeet]

Oh sure... however, genetic components don't make a disease, unless the shape of my nose is a disease . Clearly there has to be a better reason to call it a disease than "you're born with predisposing factors toward it".

OK... it's risky, and it kills people. So does driving.

I really think it has to do with self-control... that's what bugs society so much about it. That, and addicts tend not to work for the system, and it's a workaholic society.

 

[panic in paradise]

sure they do.

schizophrenia is one.

look up the 'Philadelphia Chromosome 19'
this isnt a disease, but will make you very sick.

there is debate as to the Native Americans genetic lack of exposure to alcohol, contributing to their fire for it often times.

 

[Cane2theLeft]

Oh sure... however, genetic components don't make a disease, unless the shape of my nose is a disease . Clearly there has to be a better reason to call it a disease than "you're born with predisposing factors toward it".

OK... it's risky, and it kills people. So does driving.

I really think it has to do with self-control... that's what bugs society so much about it. That, and addicts tend not to work for the system, and it's a workaholic society.

I don't think anyone claimed that a genetic aspect is the ONLY reason its a disease. I think the dr. drew quote above summarizes the view concisely.

The defining characteristic of addiction is the LOSS of self-control... the fact that people continue to use despite full knowledge of the consequences their use is having on themselves and others.

 

[Dedbeet]

sure they do.

schizophrenia is one.

look up the 'Philadelphia Chromosome 19'
this isnt a disease, but will make you very sick.

there is debate as to the Native Americans genetic lack of exposure to alcohol, contributing to their fire for it often times.

When I say "genetic components don't make a disease", I mean they aren't a good enough reason to call it a disease. Genetic components made my fingers too, but they aren't a disease. See what I'm saying?

But I really don't know what a "disease" is... it's kind of an arbitrary definition. I guess anything people don't like that happens to the body or to a person could be called a disease (?).

 

[panic in paradise]

partly yes.

i also dont like, or agree with calling it a disease, addiction that is.
seems a singe-ling out and self classification method, instilling self-doubt from with in.

if it could be perceived truly as, and presented as a short-lived-syndrome that would be great - but that would be illegal.

people become obsessed and then physically and mentally dependent on substances, for their own psychological reason, situational or other-wise, this insinuates a pre-existing drive, but is not solely the cause. often the labeling and treatment methods, or counselors, whom eves demeanor will create a large impression on the individual, especially in such a state of transition.

 

[Cane2theLeft]

When I say "genetic components don't make a disease", I mean they aren't a good enough reason to call it a disease. Genetic components made my fingers too, but they aren't a disease. See what I'm saying?

But I really don't know what a "disease" is... it's kind of an arbitrary definition. I guess anything people don't like that happens to the body or to a person could be called a disease (?).

here...

disease (plural diseases)

(pathology) An abnormal condition of the body or mind that causes discomfort or dysfunction; distinct from injury insofar as the latter is usually instantaneously acquired.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

^ then why do so many people who want to stop and are completely aware that their use produces negative consequences continue using?

I think that some people are so depressed, probably both on a psychological and a physical level, will be unable to cope properly without either getting treatment, another form of help, or use some drugs - whether it's mild and benign like cannabis usage, or relapsing into a hard drug addiction, is harder to quantify or explain why it happens.

Despite knowing I would never want to relapse, I would rather relapse and rather have to battle heroin addiction than to live through extreme depression/pain for a prolonged period of time.

I managed to avoid just that with my most recent bout of excruciating pain which is starting to fade away - so I am hoping it can stay this way for the rest of my life. I have known other people who are more likely to require some long-term form of opiate, ORT medication, or at the very least, a long time away from the part of the world they existed in as a user before they get clean.

Either way, I am happy living my life on buprenorphine, and feel satisfied doing so. I am glad how it's turned out for me so far, as it could have gotten much worse for me.

 

[TMoney11111]

I am going to give you my quick answer, without reading any of the prior posts. I simply believe addiction is a disease because it is passed down genetically from generation to generation. I have seen this, studied this, and personally experienced this. You can agree or disagree, but personally my family has never had anyone have cancer, heart disease, hardly any obesity (and I live in friggin Michigan lol) or diabetes, but addiction has run rampant... I see addiction as no more or less of a disease than anything I just mentioned because it does affect our quality of life and often shortens it quite drastically.

 

[the toad]

I think that some people are so depressed, probably both on a psychological and a physical level, will be unable to cope properly without either getting treatment, another form of help, or use some drugs - whether it's mild and benign like cannabis usage, or relapsing into a hard drug addiction, is harder to quantify or explain why it happens.

Despite knowing I would never want to relapse, I would rather relapse and rather have to battle heroin addiction than to live through extreme depression/pain for a prolonged period of time.

Once I found out how to be happy on my own, drugs/substances no longer were a problem for me.... mentally at least.... one time I got a huge dilaudid script and took a couple a day for like 5 days in a row and had some minor withdrawal symptoms.... but that made me want to NOT take more because I knew it would make it worse overall... as opposed to when I was an addict and just wanted to be high...

In other words, when I was depressed, it was my flash ofhappiness in an otherwise sad place... now its just something to do every oce in a while for a different sensation... but being alive and productive as a person provides a satisfaction seperate from that provided by drugs and is more rewarding...