a fools guide to addiction

and the biology of desire

You are an addict.

We all are.

Everyone is addicted to something.

Addiction is a habitual interruption of the process of experiencing either satisfaction and joy or dissatisfaction and pain.

I have worked with a number of people dealing with addiction. The most helpful book I’ve found on the subject is The Biology of Desire, by Marc Lewis. This work, backed by the latest neuroscientific research challenges the traditional disease model approach to addiction. I know what you’re thinking: Addiction is not a disease? But…

Read on fool.

Lewis, a neuroscientist argues that the disease model oversimplifies addiction leading to helplessness with those struggling. Though most twelve step programs argue that adherents admit that they are powerless over their addiction until they submit to a higher power, this is entirely out of alignment with Lewis’ work.

Instead, he sees addiction as a sign of maladaptive neuroplasticity. A hallmark of any addict is to lie to themselves. My drinking / substance use…