Popped Collar Productions
Popped Collar Productions
Is Addiction a Choice?
Is Addiction a Choice?
Is Addiction a Choice?
Friday 30th April 2021
Clare Waismann and David Livingston discuss if addiction is a choice, exploring its impact on the brain and decision-making.
22 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Supportive
Transformative
About this podcast
Author:
Popped Collar Productions
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Is Addiction a Choice? Experts Weigh In on This Hotly Debated Topic
I don't think anybody chooses to be a slave of anything. So the goal is to make that which is happening unconsciously conscious, so that you can then creatively deal with it.
Is addiction something you choose, or is it a disease that takes over your life? This episode of 'Addiction, Recovery and Mental Health' dives into this controversial question with hosts Clare Waismann and David Livingston. Clare, a Registered Addiction Specialist, and David, a seasoned psychotherapist, bring their expertise to the table to untangle the complexities surrounding addiction. Clare starts by emphasizing that no one wakes up wanting to be controlled by substances.
She explains that addiction is a disease affecting the brain and nervous system, marked by a compulsive need to use drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences. David adds that addiction compromises our ability to make healthy choices, as the brain's reward system often overrides logical thinking. The hosts also discuss the unconscious behaviors linked to addiction.
David points out that our brains can trick us into thinking that substance use is beneficial, creating a cycle of compulsiveness that's hard to break. Clare adds that part of effective treatment involves bringing these unconscious patterns into awareness so they can be managed more creatively. When it comes to decision-making, both Clare and David agree that addiction severely hampers one's ability to choose wisely. Clare notes that the frontal lobe, responsible for decision-making, barely functions in addicts.
This lack of emotional presence makes proper diagnosis and treatment challenging. The episode also touches on the complex issues of decriminalization and legalization of drugs in the United States. Clare argues that while addiction needs to be treated as a disease, simply decriminalizing or legalizing drugs isn't the solution. David suggests that these issues are best addressed in a treatment setting where they can be handled more safely.
In summary, addiction isn't a choice but a disease that disrupts the brain and nervous system. Effective treatment aims to make unconscious behaviors conscious, allowing for better management. Decriminalization and legalization aren't the answers; treatment and support are crucial. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to learn more.