Addiction is mainly seen as a social behavioral problem, Dr. Nora Valkow sees addiction as a disease of a brain, and expresses her views on the HBO documentary "Addiction". I took notes while watching, and decided to share it with everyone.
Not a disease-a genetic predisposition in many cases yes, on which upbringing and negative experiences/feeling play, but a disease-no. Cystic Fibrosis, Huntingtons etc are disease, porphyria, malaria-many genetic and microbe caused diseases. addiction is not, since any addict has the ability to stop if they really want to. The disease model really doesn't help-it literally sends thousands to their deaths by justifying their weak behaviour.
My 22 yr old son died last Nov 2009 from an overdose of Ritalin (Methylphenidate). He was diagnosed with ADD at age 12. He was an excellent student until his 2nd year of college when he starting dropping classes and spiralled out of control. He tried respiratory therapy school and dropped out. He went voluntarily for treatment in Houston at Memorial Herman Park (PaRC) who kicked him out after 8 days of detox and 2 weeks of in patient. 7 days later he died. I am trying to help others for him.
Not a disease-a genetic predisposition in many cases yes, on which upbringing and negative experiences/feeling play, but a disease-no. Cystic Fibrosis, Huntingtons etc are disease, porphyria, malaria-many genetic and microbe caused diseases. addiction is not, since any addict has the ability to stop if they really want to. The disease model really doesn't help-it literally sends thousands to their deaths by justifying their weak behaviour.
cockywatchman1976 2 weeks ago
Absolutely mature comments. Well done video. Congratulations.
matecomlimao 7 months ago
My 22 yr old son died last Nov 2009 from an overdose of Ritalin (Methylphenidate). He was diagnosed with ADD at age 12. He was an excellent student until his 2nd year of college when he starting dropping classes and spiralled out of control. He tried respiratory therapy school and dropped out. He went voluntarily for treatment in Houston at Memorial Herman Park (PaRC) who kicked him out after 8 days of detox and 2 weeks of in patient. 7 days later he died. I am trying to help others for him.
pwg1126 1 year ago
Well said man, great job.
cmarshall330 1 year ago