Is Addiction A Mental Illness: An Overview of the Science of Addiction

Course overview

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences (DSM-5, 2013). It is a brain disease because it involves structural and functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, as these conditions disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of organs in the body, have serious harmful effects, and are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, all of these diseases, including addictive disorders, can last a lifetime and may lead to premature death. Recently, our understanding of the brain's role in addictive behaviors has improved dramatically. Because addiction is a consequence of fundamental changes in brain function, the goal of treatment must be to reverse or compensate for those brain changes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the brain's role in substance addiction and behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder is vital for the development and implementation of effective treatments. This presentation provides an overview of the science of addiction. It discusses the brain and its role in addiction, the parts that genetics plays, the behavioral effects of addiction, the impact of substance use on the developing brain, and the addiction cycle, focusing mainly on the role of dopamine in maintaining these addictive disorders. The presentation also provides treatment options for persons battling addictions and discusses the importance of eradicating stigma, which impedes treatment and recovery.