quote:
The first time a person tries alcohol or another drug, it’s a voluntary choice. But at some point during use, a switch gets flipped within the brain and the decision to use is no longer voluntary. As the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse puts it, it's as if an addicted person's brains has been hijacked. Anyone who tries a substance can become addicted, and research shows that the majority of Americans are at risk of developing addiction. Over 40% of 13–14 year olds, and over 75% of 17–18 year olds, report that they’ve tried alcohol. What’s more, 42% of 17–18 year olds report that they’ve tried illicit drugs.10 After initial exposure, no one chooses how their brain will react to drugs or alcohol. So why do some people develop addiction, while others don’t?

I assume that this is an attempt to try and discredit the medically accepted concept of addiction being a disease.

As to the original point, no one is choosing to OD (aside from planned suicide attempts, which is different.)

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Posted by ReauxlTide222

St. Petersburg

Member since Nov 2010

84596 posts

Posted on 6/18/19 at 10:13 am to EarlyCuyler3

quote:
Anyone who tries a substance can become addicted

And to beat that disease right there all one has to do is be a good, responsible person.

I truly don’t believe that your brain has been hijacked and forces your body to put drugs into it.

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Posted by Jimbeaux

Member since Sep 2003

20307 posts

Posted on 6/18/19 at 10:25 am to EarlyCuyler3

quote:
I assume that this is an attempt to try and discredit the medically accepted concept of addiction being a disease.

How is it discrediting?

First of all, the statement of “medically accepted” is a claim to authority that is vacuous. Medical opinions vary and change over time on all sorts of complex conditions, especially those involving behavior and cognition.

Calling addiction a disease is, simply stated, a half truth, and furthermore has no real clinical benefit.

It’s a disease? Fine.

A disease like cancer? Or like bi-polar disorder? Or like obesity? Or like herpes?

Every disease has a different treatment modality. Some involve almost purely behavioral modification techniques, others require surgery, medication, or other therapies.

Arguing over whether drug addiction is a disease or not is simply pointless.

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Posted by CarRamrod