Part 1: Is Addiction/Substsance Use Disorder a Disease? Why Did We Start Calling Addiction/Substance Use Disorder a Diease?

In this episode of the Recovery Rebellion podcast, I talk about the disease model of substance use order where it came from, and how it’s shaped recovery culture. I challenge the idea that addiction is a lifelong disease, because I believe that perspective fuels stigma and limits how we understand substance use and recovery. I also explore alternative ways of looking at addiction, focusing on individual experiences instead of one-size-fits-all labels. I encourage listeners to rethink the identities they’ve been given, and to remember that healing and growth are possible and they don't have to stay trapped inside outdated narratives.

Takeaways

The disease model of addiction is a model, not a fact.

Labeling addiction as a disease has both helped and harmed individuals.

The disease model can create a lifetime identity of being in recovery.

Substance use disorder is influenced by trauma, environment, and social conditions.

Alternative models of understanding addiction exist, such as the trauma and psychosocial models.

Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process; individual experiences matter.

People are often taught to fear themselves due to the disease narrative.

Recovery should focus on personal growth rather than rigid frameworks.

Individuals have the power to define their identities beyond addiction labels.

It's important to explore different perspectives on substance use and recovery.