Addiction Therapy for Individuals

Therapies need to be as diverse as the individuals treated.

Although addiction is a disease of the brain, it is not the brain alone that causes addiction. Just as in the (exhaustingly) old debate on natural tendencies and environmental influences, addiction is driven by environmental factors that work to trigger the disease (Bettinardi-Angres & Angres, 2011). I understand the importance of addressing the biological issues of addiction, although, I believe it is equally important to create more effective interventions that incorporate mental health counseling along with psychopharmacology (when indicated). It seems that both angles of approach together is better than simply effecting one component of the addiction.

Bettinardi-Angres, K., & Angres, D. H. (2011). Understanding the disease of addiction. Missouri State Board Of Nursing Newsletter, 13(2), 6-8.