Addiction: A new paradigm

Journal/Book: Bull Menninger Clin. 1998; 62: Box 829, Topeka, KS 66601. Menninger Foundation. 231-242.

Abstract: The older view of addiction was that people became addicted because they were ignorant of the risks of addiction, they were unhappy, or they lacked healthy opportunities. Once addicted, they were hooked by physical dependence, causing them to continue use despite wanting to quit. The new paradigm of addiction focuses on reward and the powerful experience of falling in love with the feelings that addictive behaviors produce. Potential addicts seek brain reward and are heedless of the risks, of which they are seldom ignorant. Withdrawal is largely irrelevant. The problem of addiction is the power of brain reward. The neu, view of addiction has important implications for prevention, treatment, public policy, and medical treatment with controlled substances.

Note: Article DuPont RL, Inst Behav & Hlth Inc, 6191 Execut Blvd, Rockville,MD 20852 USA

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