Is Addiction a Disease or a Bad Behavior?
“Why do I keep using drugs or drinking?” If you found this website because you are trying to solve that problem, you may be out of answers. Many have tried to solve this riddle. One theory that is still prevalent among some is that addiction is merely a behavioral issue, or more specifically, a moral issue. “‘Good’ people don’t use drugs or drink. ‘Bad’ people do. So, if you want to stop, simply stop behaving that way and make good choices.” Certainly, reaching for the next drink or pill is a behavior.
Addiction Is Both a Disease and a Behavior
On the other hand, advances in medicine seem to confirm that addiction is more complicated than that. Many experts propose that it is actually a disease. A disease is a disruption in a part of the body causing it to function incorrectly. Substance abuse affects the part of your brain that determines what is necessary for survival. The brain is designed to release pleasurable and rewarding chemicals to reinforce behaviors necessary for survival. For someone struggling with addiction, the brain begins to believe that their drug of choice or alcohol is required for survival. Since these substances are not actually necessary for survival, this is known as an “abnormal symptom,” which is why addiction is considered a disease.
This is why it is so difficult for some people to stop using or drinking; they are fighting against their own brain.
Continuing to use drugs or alcohol exaggerates this distortion, making it essential to stop—the behavioral aspect—to begin reversing the disease. Over time, the brain prioritizes the substance even over food, making quitting incredibly difficult. Dr. Kevin McCauley, in his video “Pleasure Unwoven,” explains that dopamine plays a major role in addiction. Dopamine teaches the brain that certain activities are important for survival and rewards them with feelings of pleasure. When a person experiences stress, such as hunger, loneliness, or fatigue, they may reach for substances because their brain remembers that drugs or alcohol relieved stress before. This reinforcement cycle continues, even when the consequences of substance use are severe.
For the addict, the drug or the drink feels like survival.
Normally, dopamine is released in response to natural activities like eating or social bonding. However, substances cause a much higher dopamine release, artificially raising the brain’s expectations for pleasure. When drug or alcohol use stops, a person may feel unsatisfied or emotionally flat. Fortunately, over time, the brain adjusts to a normal dopamine level, making everyday activities pleasurable again.
During recovery, it helps to engage in activities that stimulate the brain’s reward system in healthy ways. Physical exercise, meditation, and balanced nutrition can support this process. Some foods, such as almonds, chocolate, and green tea, may also aid in dopamine production. Consulting with a doctor, nutritionist, or dietitian can provide more guidance.
In the end, addiction is likely a combination of a disease and a behavioral challenge. The key to overcoming it lies in understanding both aspects. So how do you change your behavior? We’ll explore that in our next discussion.
Recovery is possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out today.