Dr. Kevin McCauley, in his video "New Perspectives on Addiction and Recovery," describes addiction as both a disorder of pleasure and a disorder of choice. By this, he means that addiction affects the brain's reward system, which alters how pleasure is experienced and how choices are made. He explains that the brain's pleasure pathways, primarily involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, become hijacked by addictive substances. This results in the brain prioritizing the addictive behavior over other life-sustaining activities (Conversation Zone, 2019). Dr. McCauley further elaborates on the role of cravings in addiction. He describes cravings as intense, often irresistible urges to engage in the addictive behavior. These cravings are driven …show more content…
McCauley, these cravings are not simply psychological but have a strong biological basis, making them incredibly powerful and difficult to resist (Conversation Zone, 2019). Reflecting on addiction as a disease, Dr. McCauley’s insights align with the medical model of addiction, which views it as a chronic brain disorder. This perspective contrasts with the moral model, which sees addiction as a result of personal failings or lack of willpower. Dr. McCauley advocates for understanding addiction through the lens of brain science, which can reduce stigma and improve treatment approaches (Conversation Zone, 2019). Our textbook, supports this view by detailing how drugs interact with the brain's neurochemical systems. Hart explains that tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal are key components of addiction. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Dependence develops when the brain adapts to the presence of the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken. These physiological changes underscore the disease model of addiction by highlighting the body's physical reliance on the substance (Hart, 2022). The Module 1 videos discuss addiction from various angles, including the psychological and social factors