The Science of Addiction

For much of the last century, those battling addiction also had to battle misconceptions about their disease. Many attributed their chronic substance use to a lack of willpower or a moral flaw. Thanks to science, today our views and our responses to drug abuse have changed dramatically. Groundbreaking discoveries about the brain have further revolutionized our understanding of drug addiction, enabling treatment experts to respond more effectively to the problem.

Research on Addiction as a Disease

Scientific research has proven emphatically that addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior, says Nora D. Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Through science, we have identified many of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Scientists will then use this knowledge to develop more effective prevention and treatment approaches that can reduce the toll drug abuse takes on all it touches.

Ongoing education is key, though. Despite these advances, many people today still do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how these substances change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. NIDA believes that increased understanding of the basics of addiction will empower people to make informed choices in their own lives, adopt science-based policies and programs that reduce drug abuse and addiction in their communities, and support scientific research that improves the nation's well-being.

Drug Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction paired with a mental health issue, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.