The Addictaholic Deconstructed- by Dr Labor - Is Addiction a DISEASE??

Episode 150: The Disease Model of Addiction We hear it everywhere-addiction is a disease. It’s the foundation of rehab, recovery culture, and even how people talk about themselves. But what if that idea isn’t as settled as it sounds? In this episode, we take a look at The Addictaholic Deconstructed by Doctor Nicole Labor and her persuasive case for the disease model. There’s real truth in it; brain changes, genetics, the feeling of compulsion; but we dig into where the argument starts to stretch. Does neuroscience actually prove addiction is a disease, or does it just show that behavior and learning leave a mark on the brain? We also get into the uncomfortable stuff most people don’t question: why the model seems impossible to disprove, why so many people recover without treatment, and why addiction, if it’s a biological disease, is so often “treated” with prayer and surrender in 12-step programs. There’s  a different way of looking at it: addiction as a learned, reinforced coping strategy that works… until it doesn’t. And what that shift means for how people recover, especially those who don’t fit the classic “rock bottom” story. If you’ve ever felt like the disease label helped you… or held you back… this one’s for you. RITN: Pity the poor restaurants who are closing because people aren’t drinking enough. WIW: Bigfoot spring migration in Ohio. *This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.* Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released. LINKS: We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON  Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.  https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges As always, we thank you for your support.  RMA ON YOUTUBE FOLLOW US ON TWITTER  Facebook Page We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there. PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.  Email: [email protected] [email protected] We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show! E-Mail your story to [email protected] If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.   https://www.aa.org/ https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/ Marijuana Anonymous (just in case): This Naked Mind