What is Addiction? With Editor in Chief Robert WestWhat is Addiction? With Editor in Chief Robert West
Addiction Audio
Robert West discusses the definition of addiction, its treatment, and the role of dopamine in addictive behaviors.
21:28•3 May 2020
Defining Addiction: Robert West’s Take on Treatment and Prevention
“The purpose of it is to bring it within the fields of treatment and prevention, in public health and in medicine, and that's really important, because if you think of these behaviors purely as something that people can choose to do or not to do, then the way that you would control it is purely by punishment and reward, the sort of things that affect everyone's behavior.”
Ever wondered what truly defines addiction? In this episode of 'Addiction Audio', Editor-in-Chief Robert West sits down with Suzi Gage to unravel the complexities of addiction and its implications for treatment and prevention. Robert West argues that addiction is not a matter of choice but a disease that demands a public health approach. The conversation dives into why punishment and reward systems fall short in addressing addictive behaviors, highlighting the necessity for proper treatment.
Robert West explains the role of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway and how it influences addiction susceptibility. They also touch on the vested interests in the realm of nicotine addiction, particularly how the tobacco industry benefits from keeping nicotine legal despite its harmful effects. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the science behind addiction and the best ways to tackle it.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.