113. Is Addiction A Disease?

On this week’s episode of In The Circle, I delve into the complex and often debated topic: Is addiction a disease? We explore how society interprets addiction and the implications these interpretations have on treatment approaches. What are the motivations behind defining addiction as a disease? If addiction isn't seen as a disease, how do we understand and “fix” it? We also take a look at the characterization of addiction as a disease of the brain and nervous system, focusing on remission rather than cure. This has led to an increased reliance on pharmacological treatments in addiction recovery. While these are important tools and can be effective for short-term withdrawal relief, their prolonged use might lead to additional dependencies and impede full emotional and mental recovery. The holistic approach to recovery is still, in my opinion, the best and most effective long-term recovery plan—by taking abstinence-based approaches and following the transformative power of 12-step programs, yoga, meditation, and breathwork. Tommy Discusses: Whether or not addiction is a disease The effects of prolonged use of addiction medications Are we treating the symptom or the root of addiction? Why does humankind fall for addictive substances? Why the holistic approach to addiction recovery is the most effective Would you like to be a guest on the In The Circle Podcast? Submit Your Question Here: R20.com/inthecircle Further Links & Resources Catch a Meeting. We offer 40+ Live Online Recovery meetings every week. Come and find your community here. Meetings are always free. Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox?

You can listen to 113. Is Addiction A Disease? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

113. Is Addiction A Disease? is an episode from The Recovery 2.0 Power Hour Podcast With Tommy Rosen by Tommy Rosen.

This episode is 01:09:35 long.

This episode was published on Apr 23, 2025.

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