Science Says Addiction Is a Disease

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Many of us have experienced the effects of addiction. Whether it be through our own relationship to it or through our family or friends, addiction leaves us feeling powerless and robbed of our capacity to help those we care about most.

During a person's relationship to drugs, their desire to consume and experience a specific drug outweighs their desire to participate in meaningful interactions with the world and others Drug overdose deaths in the US increased from 2020 to 2021. Gambling, watching pornography, obsessive shopping, and even spending time on social media can all be addictive behaviors.

Such addictions were seen as immoral. Individuals who drank too much were expected to be punished for their irresponsible behavior. With the rise of western medicine, addiction became a disease.