Disease. “A disorder, structure, or function of a living human, animal, or plant that impairs normal functioning and is distinguished by symptoms.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disease. When discussing diseases, most people think things such as cancer, STDS, or even the flu. While these things are very unfortunate and detrimental, there is one disease that truly goes unnoticed, and is perhaps one of the worst ones: addiction. The idea of addiction being a disease is very controversial. People claim addiction isn’t a disease given the fact that the individual affected made the choice to use/abuse the substance, yet as time goes on and the addiction increases in severity and intensity, it’s no longer a choice. It’s important to be aware that diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer occur due to personal choices as well such as lack of exercise, sun exposure, poor diet, etc. https://www.centeronaddiction.org/what-addiction/addiction-disease 

Things such as physical and mental reliance prevent those from getting sober right away or even at all. The substance being used will slowly alter your brain and thought process, making normal functioning difficult as the drug takes over your life…how can this not be classified as a disease? 

The thing is, no one starts using with the intention of becoming addicted. As the addiction starts to take charge, the addict continues to use while simultaneously watching how the substance is ruining all aspects of their life. Work, school, relationships- everything. Why do they do this? If one sees their life falling apart, why cant change be made instantly? Addiction is hard to understand unless you have experienced it first hand, or have dealt with it during your lifetime. Living with an alcoholic has made me gain a deeper understanding about addiction. I have seen them ruin a lot of things for themselves, yet didn’t change any habits or even attempt to. At first I was angry, now I try to understand. Addiction impacts the reward system and affects the ability of proper functioning in the brain. This includes things such as decision making, learning, memory, and controlling behavior. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/related-topics/disease-or-choice/#gref 

I’ve seen how alcohol has affected my family members brain due to the reckless behavior I have witnessed over the past 10 years. They do and say things they wouldn’t usually do, which is why it makes sense how decision making is affected deeply. The drug controls them, and most people have a hard time comprehending the fact that one cannot just stop. When abusing a substance for a long period of time, your brain is constantly releasing dopamine at a rapid pace. The brain is being forced to produce excessive amounts of dopamine, way more than usual. Because of this, the drug/substance the addict uses is the only way they will experience that same rush. https://www.recoveryfirst.org/why-addiction-is-a-disease/.Dopamine can be released through healthy activities as well such as laughing with your friends, or simply just a song, but for addicts, it’s only their drug. Imagine not eating all day and your favorite food is in front of you, who wouldn’t eat it? Addiction is the same. Temptation races through their minds the whole day and everyday is one challenging obstacle trying to avoid using, you can see now how functioning during the day is not easy. 

Addiction can be a chronic disease given that 25-50% of addicts need an intense, consistent recovery plan. https://www.centeronaddiction.org/what-addiction/addiction-disease This includes rehab, AA meetings, family support, etc. Whatever it takes, if the addict cares enough to get sober they will make the effort to do so. Although, relapsing is very common, and just because one has been sober for a while doesn’t mean they can turn back to the drug.  If they were to go back, their addiction would take over again. Once someone is sober, they are still an addict. The disease will never be fully “cured”, it’s still in their blood. To be in recovery one needs a strong mentality in order to avoid temptation. Sobriety means constantly reminding yourself that your addiction doesn’t define you and remembering the harm it has caused in your life.

All in all, due to changes in your brain and a lifelong recovery process, addiction is in fact a disease. While being angry, confused, and sad are normal reactions when seeing someone you love go through addiction, please try to understand the why because they will need your support in order to recover.