The brain-disease model – The daily blog of behavioral and cognitive economics

Does it still make sense to call addiction a ‘brain disease’?

The popular brain-disease model was meant to reduce stigma and explain addiction. It’s time to check whether it’s delivered. ‘I am Isabel, and I am an alcoholic,’ the woman said, introducing herself at the group therapy session. ‘I haven’t had a drink for 22 years now.’ One of us, Chrysanthi, was attending the session as a clinical trainee. With genuine curiosity, she asked: ‘What makes you an alcoholic if you haven’t had a drink for almost a quarter of a century?’ Isabel looked at her, slightly perplexed, and said: ‘It is a disease. I have it in my brain.’ For Isabel (whose name has been changed here), understanding her addiction as a brain disease was liberating. ….[READ]