The public often stigmatizes people with addictions, wrongly believing that addiction is a personal choice rather than a condition caused by changes in the brain, said Dr. David Panting, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center.
The stigma often prevents people with addictions from seeking help, Panting said during a Mini Medical School presentation in January.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is defined as a chronic brain disorder that causes people to compulsively use substances or engage in behaviors despite harmful consequences
“There are two main types of addiction: substance use (alcohol, nicotine and cannabis) and behavioral use (gambling, internet use and eating disorders),” Panting said.
Individuals struggling with addiction often experience intense cravings, a loss of control or overuse and continued use of the substance or behavior despite harmful consequences to their physical, emotional or social well-being. They may suffer withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
Panting said addiction can be influenced by many factors, including genetics (family history), environment (stress, trauma and exposure), psychological factors (anxiety and depression) and brain chemistry (brain development and dopamine imbalances).
He also said that many addictions stem from dopamine, a chemical in the brain that triggers feelings of pleasure and relaxation. “It’s like a reward system,” he said. “The more consistently someone engages in the addictive behavior, the more their brain responds to dopamine, creating a tolerance or dependence. However, when the person stops, they experience withdrawal as the brain overcompensates for the lack of dopamine.”
While no cure exists for addiction, various treatment options can help. These include medications, behavioral therapy, support groups and holistic approaches like yoga, diet and exercise.
“Addiction is a treatable condition, not just an individual issue,” said Panting. “Addressing addiction is a public health challenge. The key to breaking the cycle of addiction is spreading awareness and compassion towards those affected.”
Mini Medical School is a collaboration of UMC and UA’s OLLI Program that features lectures provided by UMC health-care providers.