There is more and more research across the world today reporting what addiction communities have been saying all along. According to the American Society for Addiction Medicine, “Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.” Dysfunction in these circuits can lead to the pathological pursuit of reward and/or relief by substance use and other compulsive and often self-destructive behaviors.
The Society formally changed their definition of addiction to acknowledge that brain function is the root cause of addictions.
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, shopping, eating, gambling or sex, an individual’s need for a particular substance is driven by brain function. Addictions are not a result of bad behavior. They are a craving that comes directly from an imbalanced brain that is seeking the substance or the action to balance itself out.
“Addiction is about a lot more than people behaving badly,” says Dr. Michael M. Miller of the American Society for Addiction Medicine.
My hope is that this important announcement from the addictions community will help more people understand the reality behind addictions and point them in the direction of help that gets at the root cause: brain function. We know there are many more people we can help. It isn’t about willpower; it’s about brain power – changing the way the brain functions.
At Brain Awakening we have had many clients who has seen dramatic, life-changing results in just a few short weeks. We use a non-invasive technology and provide a non-judgmental and stress-free approach designed expressly for people of all ages. The results are highly positive and many.
