Addiction is basically a brain disease brought about by the long-term use of a substance. Being used to the practice of certain behaviours can also lead to addiction. On the side of drug addiction, according to the National Institute on drug abuse, Drugs alter the normal functioning of the brain together with its structure which in the long-run results to addiction (Henrique’s, Gregg). The use of certain drugs for quite a long period of time can lead to a change in the brain structure and memory; good examples of these drugs include alcohol, heroine, nicotine, cocaine and many more which are induced in the body due to the addiction feeling to demand more. The addicted persons have got strong attachments on a certain drug with the perspective that it can elevate some bad mood or bring with it the good feeling of being “high” hence being termed as a brain disease (Ericson, Sate et al).
Body
Addiction brings about shame and increased stigma as a result of the perspective that people who embrace the use of certain substances to influence their behaviour or to bring an impact on their moods are immoral and weak hence being termed as a brain disease (Ericson, Sate et al). To reduce stigma brought about by addiction, one has to understand the different ways in which addiction can impair and affect his brain (Ericson, Sate et al). For example, during the adolescent stage, the brain is at its most vulnerable situation whereby addiction can take the advantage; this is the reason why drugs and different peer related behaviours find their way into the youths. Caution can be of great importance in this stage understanding that addiction has no curative prescription.
The destruction of the prefrontal cortex, part of the brain associated with one’s ability to stop the abuse or use of certain drug substance, can lead to lack of control in drug addiction. This is also the same part of the body associated with self-monitoring of ones behaviours, dos and don’ts, hence its destruction also leads to addiction of certain bad behaviours (Bierer, Michael). Addiction can at times lead to despair and feelings of negative emotions mostly when one can access his addicted substance, addicted persons also show exaggerated responses. The science associated with these behaviours can help in assessing different means of treatment to addicts.
According to Butler Research Centre, it is possible to overcome addiction in that, when addicts develop other alternatives to means of acquiring the moods they wish and getting rid of the trauma feeling, addiction will not be a burden to them since it’s all a game of playing with the mind (Ericson, Sate et al). For example, the use of physical interactions and engagements in events like hikes and bike riding activities can play a big role in assisting addicts to get rid of their depressed feelings. It requires personal soul searching for one to overcome addiction since no curative prescriptions are available for addiction (Bierer, Michael). This is a great challenge to scientists in that; they should conduct research and come up with better results on measures and possibly drugs that can be used to cure addiction.
Conclusion
Having understood what addiction is basically and what are its possible curative measures, abstinence from drugs that cause the mind disease is very important. It can help to prevent the destruction of one’s memory which is very critical in decision making; adverse side effects can also be avoided through abstinence (Bierer, Michael). Addiction should not be assumed as a disease that can’t be cured, instead a better understanding of the brain model of action should enable victims learn different ways that can be of help in reduction of addiction.
Works Cited
Henrique’s, Gregg. Is addiction a disease of the mind: A psychological analysis of the concept of addiction? Vol 2. (2017).
Bierer, Michael. Is addiction a “brain disease”? (2017).
Ericson, Sate et al. Relationship between addiction and the victim’s brain: Supporting addiction as a brain disease. Vol 1. (2016).
Understanding of addiction according to different advances made in Neuroscience: Butler Research Centre
(2016)
