The Heart of Addiction

Addiction

Are People Who Have Addictions Self-Destructive?

Lance Dodes M.D. on January 27, 2024

People believe addiction is self-destructive. This isn’t surprising since addictive behavior can be harmful, but people who suffer don't intend to be self-destructive.

People believe addiction is self-destructive. This isn’t surprising since addictive behavior can be harmful, but people who suffer don't intend to be self-destructive.

Addiction

Addiction Fiction

Lance Dodes M.D. on December 7, 2019

Popular novels often reflect and bolster mistaken ideas about addiction.

Popular novels often reflect and bolster mistaken ideas about addiction.

Addiction

The Fallacy in "Evidence-Based" Treatment

Lance Dodes M.D. on July 5, 2019

Many people believe that short-term manualized treatment is the "gold standard." But science says otherwise.

Many people believe that short-term manualized treatment is the "gold standard." But science says otherwise.

Addiction

Ultracrepidarianism

Lance Dodes M.D. on December 1, 2018

When people give opinions about subjects they know nothing about, it's aggravating. When their opinions interfere with good treatment, it's dangerous.

When people give opinions about subjects they know nothing about, it's aggravating. When their opinions interfere with good treatment, it's dangerous.

Addiction

More Answers to Addiction Questions

Lance Dodes M.D. on September 1, 2018

Questions and confusions are part of life. Here are some answers.

Questions and confusions are part of life. Here are some answers.

Addiction

Test Yourself With a Real Case of Addiction

Lance Dodes M.D. on April 1, 2018

Think you know addiction? I hope so. Here's a clinical test to help.

Think you know addiction? I hope so. Here's a clinical test to help.

Finding the right therapy for addiction is critical. Here are some things to watch out for.

Friends

Are You an Unhappy Achiever?

Lance Dodes M.D. on August 31, 2017

Who could possibly be unhappy about achieving? The problem is that, for some people, achievement leaves them feeling empty to the core.

Who could possibly be unhappy about achieving? The problem is that, for some people, achievement leaves them feeling empty to the core.

It's common for people suffering with an addiction to tell others, or even themselves, "I promise I'll stop (my addictive behavior)." But it's a disaster waiting to happen.

A huge problem in our country is that most of the people who we trust to provide addiction treatment are poorly qualified or unqualified.

Addictive actions are never random. Get to know how you can predict and control them.

Pleasure has been confused with addiction for the last 5000 years. The reason for this is that common forms of addiction, like drinking alcohol, taking other drugs, gambling, and seeking sex, are often pleasurable. But the notion that addiction is about pleasure is completely wrong.

Evidence-based treatment sounds great. There's just one problem: if the evidence is faulty or irrelevant, so is the claim based on it.

Addiction

Spirituality and Addiction

Lance Dodes M.D. on March 17, 2015

For years, people have accepted the notion that addiction is a spiritual disorder. Let's take a look at that idea.

For years, people have accepted the notion that addiction is a spiritual disorder. Let's take a look at that idea.

You spoke up and here are the answers you deserve to have.

Nobody likes people who say "I'm right and you're not." We've all learned to be diplomatic, so nobody's feelings get hurt. But science is different. It's about getting to the truth, not trying to find a way to include everybody's views.

The rehabilitation industry in our country is, unfortunately, filled with false claims and bogus treatments. Virtually none of the major rehab centers even study their patients' outcomes, despite claiming fabulous results. And, sadly, rehab treatment usually fails.

Many phrases in the addiction field have been tossed around for years without being clearly defined or even being meaningful. "Being in recovery" is one example.

People moralize about addiction all the time in obvious ways. But some forms of moralizing are more subtle, and just as harmful.

Our scientific examination of AA has led to heated, poorly thought-out responses from both some AA members and a few academics whose careers have involved supporting AA. Challenges to accepted wisdom are always met with resistance, but it would be better to have a less personal, more reasoned discussion.