Is Addiction a Disorder of Choice?
Over the last several decades, healthcare professionals, scientists, and researchers have learned that addiction can be caused by one or more common risk factors. Addiction can be caused by genetics or family history, chemical imbalances in the brain, a co-existing mental disorder, stress, and much more.
But in recent years, it’s come to light that addiction could very well be a choice that people make, and that overcoming addiction is as simple as making another choice. Is this statement true? Is addiction a disorder of choice?
Gene Heyman, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Boston College and author of “Addiction: A Disorder of Choice” seems to think so. Heyman’s controversial theory is that addiction is voluntary, and a choice influenced by one’s preferences and goals.
However, regardless of whether Heyman’s opinion is true or not, addiction is serious, and can cause major problems for your health and overall livelihood when left untreated.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call our helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction specialist right away. Our counselors can help you find the treatment you need to overcome addiction and get back on the path to sobriety.
Heyman’s Theory
Heyman believes one can end their addiction by weighing the pros and cons.
Heyman’s theory on addiction being a choice originates from several medical studies that reveal former addicts can stop abusing substances on their own naturally after weighing the pros and cons of addiction. For instance, a 1999 study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that a group of men addicted to cocaine were able to recover from cocaine dependence naturally before the age of 30 after evaluating the pros and cons of cocaine abuse.
Patients involved in these studies cited the same reasons for quitting drugs and/or alcohol across the board. These reasons were associated with financial pressures, family and life obligations, and the possibility of unwelcome legal ramifications.
Heyman says that research supports the fact that addicts have the ability to take control of their lives, and that today’s drug policies and addiction interventions should be reworked and reevaluated based on these findings.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment for Addiction
Though Heyman’s approach may work for some, overcoming addiction can be much more complicated for certain individuals. For instance, heroin addicts tend to struggle with overcoming addiction due to the nature of the drug, which alters neurotransmitters and brain chemicals in a way that triggers dependence and addiction in the first place. Without medical intervention and treatment, heroin addicts can suffer from lifelong dependency and increase their risk for serious health problems and death.
Many addicts also tend to suffer from underlying physical and psychological problems that prevent them from quitting, in which case making the decision to quit naturally might not result in lifelong sobriety, and could increase the risk for relapse.
https://www.disorders.org/getting-treatment-for-drug-addiction/
Fortunately, when it comes to addiction, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Addicts can benefit from one or multiple different treatments based on their individual needs and history with substance abuse.
For example, some individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse might find that attending regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can help them achieve sobriety, while others may benefit more from treatment provided at an inpatient rehabilitation facility away from influencers and distractions.
No matter what your addiction, there are always treatments you can turn to — even if you don’t feel capable of quitting on your own naturally. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem with addiction, which is all you need to seek help, and get treatment.
Are you familiar with Heyman’s “Is Addiction a Disorder of Choice,” but feel as if you need additional help and guidance with overcoming your addiction? Call our helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to learn more about available treatments and resources that can help you along the path to recovery. Our addiction specialists are standing by 24/7 to answer your call, and will provide you with the help you need to achieve lifelong sobriety.
