Joanie Sigal
Joanie Sigal and Jason Good
Professor Nick Heather - An Expert Weighs in on "Addiction as a Disease"
Professor Nick Heather - An Expert Weighs in on "Addiction as a Disease"
Professor Nick Heather - An Expert Weighs in on "Addiction as a Disease"
Thursday 31st May 2018
Professor Nick Heather challenges the 'disease' label for addiction, discussing pharmaceutical influences and new treatment methods on 'The Addiction Podcast'.
39 minutes
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Joanie Sigal
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Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Challenging the 'Disease' Label: Insights from Professor Nick Heather
Apart from the fact that, as I say, it's self-evident, there's also a huge amount of research dating right back to The 1960s to show that you can change addictive behavior by various, offering various reinforcements, by changing the reinforcement contingencies.
Is addiction truly a disease, or is that just a convenient label pushed by pharmaceutical companies? In this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', hosts Joanie Sigal and Jason Good engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Nick Heather, an Emeritus Professor of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies at Northumbria University. With nearly 450 publications to his name, Professor Heather brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as he questions the conventional wisdom surrounding addiction.
Professor Heather argues that the 'disease' label may be more about selling pharmaceuticals than understanding the root causes of addiction. He delves into the role of reinforcement in addictive behavior, suggesting that changing the reinforcement contingencies can significantly alter addictive behaviors. This episode isn't just for those battling addiction; it's for anyone who wants to grasp the complexities of this issue. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of rehab, from traditional 12-step programs to alternative detox methods.
Professor Heather emphasizes the importance of education in achieving long-term lifestyle changes. His insights challenge listeners to rethink what they know about addiction and consider new approaches to treatment and recovery. If you're grappling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the nature of addiction, this episode offers a fresh perspective that's both informative and engaging. Tune in to hear Professor Heather's expert take on one of the most debated topics in addiction studies.