Is Addiction a Choice?

Is Addiction a Choice?

Ever wondered if addiction is a matter of choice or a medical condition? In this compelling episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Schaler, author of 'Addiction is a Choice', dives into this heated debate. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Schaler firmly believes that addiction is a behavior, and behaviors are choices. This perspective challenges the widely accepted notion that addiction has a physiological basis. Dr.

Schaler, an existential therapist and former professor at American and Johns Hopkins Universities, brings his characteristic passion to the discussion. He examines the dichotomous thinking surrounding addiction and explores how spiritual beliefs can influence recovery. The conversation also touches on secular alternatives like SMART Recovery® and the critical role they play in relapse prevention. Listeners will find this episode both raw and enlightening, as it navigates the complexities of free will versus disease in the context of addiction.

Whether you're personally affected by addiction or supporting someone who is, Dr. Schaler's insights offer a fresh perspective that might just change how you view addiction and recovery. Tune in to hear Dr. Schaler's thought-provoking arguments and join the ongoing conversation about one of the most controversial topics in addiction recovery today.