The Illness or Disease of Addiction
The definition of addiction varies among individuals, organisations, and medical professionals, and society’s viewpoints about addiction are ever-evolving. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) all similarly describe addiction as a long-term and relapsing condition characterised by the individual compulsively seeking and using drugs despite adverse consequences.
These organisations call addiction a ‘Disorder’ or a ‘Disease’ because:
- Addiction changes how the brain responds in situations involving rewards, stress, and self-control.
- These changes are long-term and can persist well after the person has stopped using drugs.
Comparing substance addiction to heart disease may help illustrate why it is defined as a disease :
- Both addiction and heart disease disturb the regular functioning of an organ in the body – the heart for heart disease and the brain for addiction.
- They both can lead to a decreased quality of life and increased risk of premature death.
- Addiction and many types of heart disease are largely preventable by engaging in a healthy lifestyle and avoiding poor choices.
- They are both treatable to prevent further damage.
The illness or Disease Explained
Addiction and alcoholism are complex illnesses with two key components: the Physical Allergy and the Obsession of the Mind.
Once the substance enters their system, it sets off this allergic response, leading to compulsive use. This can be observed through past behaviour’s:
- Have they ever consumed more than intended?
- Has their substance use caused harm to themselves or others?
- Have their initial intentions changed once they started using?
This response is biological. The body produces an excessive amount of craving chemicals and endorphins, making the brain believe it needs more to survive—similar to how someone starving craves food and water. This desperate need can drive behaviours such as lying, stealing, manipulation, and self-destruction.
Understanding this physical reaction is key to recognising why addiction is not simply a lack of willpower but a medical condition requiring treatment and support. Neural pathways are formed over time, reinforcing these behaviours. The more an addicted individual relies on substances to satisfy this area of the brain, the more instinctive these behaviours become. It becomes an automatic response rather than a conscious choice. Addiction rewires the brain, making substance use feel like a necessity.
An allergy is defined as an abnormal reaction to a substance. Different people react differently to allergens—for example:
- Someone allergic to peanuts may experience throat swelling but not necessarily itchy eyes.
- A person with lactose intolerance may suffer from digestive issues but not a rash.
- A pollen allergy may cause sneezing and itchy eyes but not throat swelling.
- In the same way, addicts and alcoholics react abnormally to substances like alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or painkillers. Unlike most people who can stop when these substances become harmful, an addict’s body triggers an uncontrollable craving after the first use.
Mental Obsession
Changing the thought process is essential. How is this done? With education including therapies, practical exercises and change of environment. As mentioned in the Physical Allergy section, addiction strengthens neural pathways that reinforce destructive behaviours. To achieve recovery, we must block old pathways—patterns of thinking and behaviour that sustain addiction—and build new ones that support a healthier way of life.
The individual requires mental rewiring around substances, which we facilitate through comprehensive education. This includes, but is not limited to, therapies, practical exercises, and environmental changes—all designed to reshape thought patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and support long-term recovery.
Like learning any new skill, this process requires education, time, effort, and commitment. Relearning how to live without substances is similar to muscle memory. Consider riding a bike:
- If you haven’t ridden in years, you may feel unsteady at first, perhaps even fall a few times.
- With practice, guidance, and persistence, you regain balance and confidence.
- Over time, it becomes second nature again.
Similarly, someone recovering from addiction must relearn how to live without alcohol or drugs. They may stumble along the way, but with the right support, they can rewire their brain, reopen healthy pathways, and create new, positive habits.
With the right tools and commitment, recovery is possible, and a fulfilling, enriched life can be rebuilt.
Work Addiction
Some individuals become so consumed by work that they experience physical exhaustion. If your job negatively impacts your relationships, family life, and social well-being, and you never take breaks or holidays -it may indicate a work addiction.
Internet Addiction
With the rise of digital technology, internet and gaming addictions have become increasingly common. Individuals may spend excessive hours online, neglecting responsibilities, relationships, and other aspects of daily life.
Solvent Abuse
Also known as volatile substance abuse, this involves inhaling substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol, or lighter fluid to achieve a state of intoxication, often with serious health risks.
Addiction: What is it?
Addiction is defined as the inability to control a behaviour, substance use, or activity, despite its potential harm to one’s well-being.
Addiction is most commonly associated with: gambling, drugs, alcohol, and smoking. It is possible, however, to be addicted to just about anything, including:
Addictions we treat at Recoup
We understand addiction to be an illness, therefore the treatment is similar for most addictions we treat.
At Recoup, we provide comprehensive treatment for a range of substance dependencies:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ketamine
- Opiate-based substances including heroin and codeine
- MDMA
- Ecstasy
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
How addictions can affect you
Understanding how addictions begin
Addiction can develop for various reasons, often linked to the way substances or behaviours affect the mind and body. Drugs, alcohol, and nicotine alter physical and mental states, creating pleasurable sensations that lead to a strong urge to repeat use.
As addiction progresses, the absence of the substance or behaviour can result in withdrawal symptoms or a “come down,” which can be distressing. To avoid this discomfort, individuals may continue engaging in the addictive behaviour, perpetuating the cycle. Over time, increasing amounts are often required to achieve the same effect or, in many cases, simply to prevent withdrawal symptoms and maintain a sense of normalcy. Without intervention, this cycle can become increasingly difficult to break.
Addiction Recognised as a Disease
Medical professionals widely acknowledge addiction as a disease. The American Medical Association (AMA) classified alcoholism as a disease in 1956 and expanded this to include addiction in 1987.
In 2011, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) reinforced this view, defining addiction as a chronic brain disorder, rather than a behavioural issue or a result of poor choices. Similarly, the NHS recognises addiction as a complex condition, emphasizing its treatable nature within the disease model.
Leading experts, including addiction specialists, neuroscientists, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), continue to classify addiction alongside other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, with ongoing research into its causes and treatment.
The illness or Disease Explained
Addiction and alcoholism are complex illnesses with two key components: the Physical Allergy and the Obsession of the Mind.
Potential Psychological Effects & Behaviours of Addiction
- Memory Loss & Forgetfulness – Difficulty retaining information or recalling events.
- Mood Swings – Increased irritability, short temper, and anger.
- Dishonesty & Blame – Lying, shifting responsibility, and avoiding accountability.
- Secretive Behaviour – Hiding actions, habits, or substance use.
- Broken Promises – Repeatedly vowing to stop but returning to substance use.
- Unapproachability – Defensive or withdrawn demeanour.
- Poor Communication & Isolation – Avoiding conversations and social interactions.
- Unreliability – Failing to show up for commitments or appointments.
- Social Withdrawal – Preferring solitude over spending time with friends or family.
Potential Physical Effects of Addiction:
- Weight Changes – Significant weight loss or gain.
- Odor Issues – Smell related to alcohol use or poor hygiene.
- Poor Personal Hygiene – Can lead to tooth decay, body odor, skin conditions, infections, and other health complications.
- Vomiting – Frequent nausea and digestive issues.
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Irregular or poor-quality sleep.
- Restlessness & Irritability – Persistent feelings of agitation and discomfort.
- Sweating & Tremors – Physical withdrawal symptoms, including shaking.
- Malnourishment – Weakened immune system, slow wound healing, and chronic fatigue.
Numerous large-scale studies highlight the high prevalence of co-morbidity among individuals seeking mental health, drug, and alcohol treatment services. Research estimates that 44% of community mental health patients have experienced problem drug use or harmful alcohol consumption within the past year. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between alcohol misuse and suicide, further underscoring the need for integrated support and treatment.
The National confidential inquiry into suicide and homicide by people with mental illness found that there was a history of alcohol misuse in 45% of suicides among the patient population during period 2002 to 2011.