Rethinking Addiction: A Fresh Take on What It Really Means - TAP007
The brain is flexible and I hope after listening to this podcast you will be too in understanding that addiction is not a static permanent brain state for most but a condition that can affect anybody under the right bio-psycho-social circumstances.
Are we wrong about addiction? This episode of 'Challenging Pathos' shakes up the conventional wisdom by arguing that addiction is not a disease. Host Glenn Marshall sits down with Susanna Reese, a licensed mental health and addiction counselor, to dig into why the standard medical model falls short. Reese draws from varied experiences, including the Vietnam War and personal battles with substance use, to illustrate how addiction is shaped by bio-psycho-social factors rather than being a static brain state.
The conversation reveals how flexible the brain can be and challenges the idea of the 'textbook addict'. Through compelling stories and critical analysis, Marshall and Reese push for a broader understanding of addiction. They argue that this shift in perspective is crucial for effective drug policy reform and harm reduction strategies. If you're interested in a nuanced view of addiction that goes beyond the usual narratives, this episode is a must-listen.