Addiction: A disease of the brain or brain training?

Addiction: A disease of the brain or brain training?

Addiction has touched all our lives in some shape or form. Lets talk about the challenges of addiction. 

Definition of Addiction: Addiction is the repeated involvement with a substance or activity, despite the substantial harm it causes, because the involvement is pleasurable and/or valuable (mentalhelp.net)

Thanks thank you to all the ladies who have supported these events over 2018 – our first year! Dinie and I have been on a steep learning curve as we learn to facilitate open debate on our chosen topics. Thanks for your support and involvement, including engaging on our Facebook Page.

We’ve talked and laughed and sometimes been deeply moved.

Most felt that addiction was not a disease, but rather a choice. Though when considering the depths of despair some addicts find themselves, unable to break the cycle, despite deeply disturbing outcomes as a consequence of their behaviour, we were all moved with compassion. Many addicts need support to break the cycle, while some seem able to miraculously break free with the right impetus. A small minority may die as a result of their behaviour.

The discussion put a spot light on ourselves and I believe we all left with food for further thought in how we manage our own indulgences.

Debate Point ONE – Addiction as a ‘disease’

What are the positive benefits to having a perception of an addiction as a disease? Does it help remove some of the stigma of addiction? Does it help individuals come forward and be honest about their addiction?

Debate Point TWO – ​Addiction as a learned behaviour

If we think about addiction as a result of repeated behaviour, a cycle of a habit that is perceived as becoming uncontrollable, does it make an individual feel less likely to admit to their behaviour? Does it contribute to a cycle of self and public deception?

Debate Point THREE – Where does the responsibility for addiction lie?

What factors cause us to become addicted? Is it a personal weakness or tendency? Do social factors contribute?

​Debate Point FOUR – How can we avoid becoming addicted?

Is there any way we can avoid being trapped in a cycle of addiction? What strategies have you used to managed your own tendencies to over-indulge at times?

How the event ran

1:45      Arrived and shared a tea/coffee/wine and a quick chat
2:10       Introductions and checkin on rules of engagement
2:15       Debate Point ONE – Addiction: is it a disease?
2:35       Debate Point TWO – Addiction: is it a learned behaviour?
2:55       Debate Point THREE – Where does the responsibility for addiction lie?
3:15       Debate Point FOUR – How can we avoid becoming addicted?
3:35       Round robin for those willing to share an experience
3:55       Check in for topics for February next year
4:00       Finish formalities, group to enjoyed refreshments on the deck