Is addiction a disease?

From the Beyond Compulsion Academy lens, we see that there are different parts involved in addiction. There is the rational part of the mind, the addicted part of the mind, and the child self.

The addicted part of the mind (APOTM) feeds on certain ideologies. It can use some of the concepts found within some addiction recovery methodologies to keep people stuck in their addiction. So, if we see addiction as an addiction, what does the APOTM do? Well, as expected, the APOTM will keep people engaging in their compulsive behaviour and then rationalising it with thought patterns which fit the disease-based model. Common justifications (junkie thoughts) under the disease-based model include: "This is just how my brain works"

"I have an addictive personality"

"I am an addict for life"

However, these thought patterns are the exact ones keeping people stuck, and then rationalising their behaviour with this fixed, disease-based model, junkie mindset. If, as a society, we want serious change - it is crucial that we start to wake up to the nonsensical, unfounded language which keeps people trapped in a prison of helplessness.

Every person we work with changes the way they think. Every person we work with changes the way they behave.

It is possible, for absolutely anyone, to put the rational part of the mind back in control.