Describe addiction as a disease of the mind

Addiction is a disease of the mind, a disease of obsession, and a disease of isolation. The role of a particular substance, whether it is alcohol, opiates, marijuana, gambling, food, or sex, is merely the symptom of the disease, not the disease itself. Any substance has the potential to be abused due to the addiction disease itself. Many naively believe that merely removing the substance from the addicted person will “cure them.” If the disease of addiction were that simple, this disease would not be a rampant social problem.

“The idea of addiction being a neurological disorder is critical to understanding its development and the recovery process” (Recovery Connection, n. d.). There are a variety of reasons and opportunities that support people with addiction seeking help. Whether from internal turmoil and conflict, outside interventions, or a combination of both, clients will seek to stop the addiction cycle. The goal is to develop a healthier lifestyle called recovery. It may take months, years, or decades before this process leads to the path of recovery (Recovery Connection n. d.).

For this Assignment, review this week’s resources and explore co-occurring disorders and their impact on addiction or addictive behavior. You also examine how an individual’s addiction impacts other individuals or society. Support your response with references to the resources and current literature.