Ochterbeck, Doris and Forberger, Sarah (2022) Is a brain-based understanding of addiction predominant? An assessment of addiction researchers' conceptions of addiction and their evaluation of brain-based explanations. Drug and Alcohol Review, 41, (7), pp. 1630-1641. doi: 10.1111/dar.13520.
External website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/d...
INTRODUCTION: Brain-based explanations of addiction have become a prominent explanatory model in recent decades. Although opposing views have been published, there is no large-scale study of researchers' opinions, unlike for treatment staff, the public and affected individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine international addiction researchers' perspectives on: (i) brain-based explanations of addiction; (ii) the perceived dominance of the concept in science, society, treatment and among those affected; and (iii) researchers' general conception of addiction in terms of ontologies and causes.
METHODS: A sample of 1440 international addiction researchers was compiled. Views were assessed online via LimeSurvey using a 'mixed methods light' approach (Likert-type scales, free-text fields). Qualitative content analyses of free-text comments complemented descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: One hundred and ninety researchers participated (13.19% response). The classification of substance use disorders as brain diseases/disorders was shared by about 60% of the respondents. Approximately 80% considered it the dominant view in science, but fewer in treatment, society and affected persons. Approximately 75% found it an oversimplification, but regarded it as helpful for understanding substance use disorders. Altogether, various biological, psychological and social factors were considered causal. Comments indicated that an over-simplistic nature of brain-based explanations of addiction was viewed as particularly problematic.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: A rejection of a simplistic view of addiction in favour of a multi-causal concept in which the brain plays a role seems to be the majority view of participating researchers. Therefore, the orientation of future research, treatment and support for addicted persons need to be reconsidered accordingly.
E Concepts in biomedical areas > Nervous system physiology (brain, neural)
F Concepts in psychology > Motivation
G Health and disease > Disorder classification (addiction)
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and protective factors
VA Geographic area > International
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