Addiction And Voluntary Behavior
A new book questions drug addiction as a disease of the human brain.
Instead the author proposes drug addiction as a voluntary behavioral problem.
Evidence from drug courts where drug addicts are given alternatives to drug use leads to high recovery rates.
Alternatively, sanctions can also act as an incentive to cease drug use leading to better recovery rates.
Participants in drug courts tend to fare significantly better that drug addicts who do not.
Illicit drug use does have a major impact on the human brain which can be measured by brain imaging but addiction is a behavior.
(Source: Addiction: A Disorder of Choice, Dr. Gene M Heyman)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This book by US Harvard University psychologist needs to be read by all those that treat patients, research addictions or devise policy surrounding drug related crime.
Drug courts using incentives and sanctions to reduce drug addiction and get higher recovery rates should be implemented in Australia.
Diversion into detoxification and then drug rehabilitation which are supervised by courts to ensure completion of a program to drug free status are urgently needed to reduce drug use here.
Even self destructive behaviors can be changed with the correct rehabilitation.
Current programs that maintain drug use do not change behavior but the drug of use.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
11/2010
