The Royal Institution - 2016-12-10
Neuroscientist and former addict Marc Lewis makes the case that addiction isn't a disease at all, although it has been recently branded as such. Watch the Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEjMi1OPnYY Subscribe for regular science videos: http://bit.ly/RiSubscRibe Marc's book "The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction is Not a Disease" is available now - https://geni.us/U3BzJ In recent decades doctors have branded addiction a brain disease, and treated it as such. But in this riveting and provocative talk, neuroscientist and former addict Marc Lewis makes the convincing case that addiction isn’t a disease at all. Using personal stories and robust science, he explains how addiction really impacts our brains, and how neuroplasticity and a developmental approach to treatment can help to overcome it. Marc Lewis is a neuroscientist and professor of developmental psychology, recently at the University of Toronto, where he taught and conducted research from 1989 to 2010, and presently at Radboud University in the Netherlands. He is the author or co-author of over 50 journal publications in psychology and neuroscience, editor of an academic book on developmental psychology, and co-author of a book for parents. More recently he has written two books concerning addiction. Subscribe for regular science videos: http://bit.ly/RiSubscRibe The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter
I don't care whether Marc is a good or bad lecturer, whether he did or did not do a line before the speech as many commented. All I care about is - this is the best explanation of addiction that I've ever encountered. And I will probably have to watch it many times and write down all important points and suggestions because I am sugar and food addict. Nothing I read or watched before helped me understand what is happening with me and now that I do, I feel empowered to change it. Just want to thank Marc Lewis for this great speech!
I feel exactly what you have said....100%. I found it last night and watched it 3 times. Its exactly the truth as ive seen it in my self.
@AmirHossein Etemad that time stamp could be telling.
There are 3 or 4 types of behaviour that could be at work from being high. He seems to be getting lost a lot too. Dry mouth, sniffling.
But he could be jet lagged and just starting to get the flu as well.
It is hard to say just based on one day's talk. Although I'll probably remain a little suspicious until I get to explore his work further.
AmirHossein Etemad his speech is slurred.
At 44 minutes into this is the place I started taking notes.
@Moondog Garvey it's not jet lag. The talk is in London. He lives in the Netherlands
depression is the prison I live in. I don't know how to escape. please pray for me. bless you, and thank you.
Is there something that you've always wanted to do? Move towards it. Any small move at first. Then keep doing what you want. Has helped me.
same here friend
hope you're doing better
depression really sucks
Same here , fixing your gut health and the right nutrition is the 1st step ,it takes time but I'm finally seeing results after years of research and trying , best luck to you 🙏
Be still and know peace to you.
Lavender Violet How’s it going? Escaped?
Tough crowd, I found his jokes funny. Entertaining and informative, excellent talk!
Matteo Rivera yes sir entertaining, funny, but he's the worst kind of fraud. He shows the improvement in the prefrontal cortex because that fits his opinion. But science is not opinion. It's factual evidence. He doesn't talk about the changes to the primitive brain which is what drives everything we do. If you want easy to understand facts watch parts 1-5 Dr Montes. Here's part 1
https://youtu.be/ioCSJDa_VFY
Matteo Rivera but you should watch it when you can watch the whole lecture
BreakFree Addiction no
Recovered Nation - First off, you've stolen Dr Montes' video, the real link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfxSA1hWjJM ; second, "the worst kind of fraud", seriously!? Marc Lewis used to be a HARD CORE drug addict, is now fully recovered, and a highly respected neuroscientist and psychologist. Is that not science? Dr Montes's lecture is both educational and helpful, absolutely, but is a pure disease model in reference to actual recovery. Dr Monte and Marc Lewis seem to agree on the science of what's going on in the brain (which Dr Monte explains brilliantly), but disagree on the recovery solution.
From personal experience of 12 steps, rehab centres etc., and having studied and applied in my own recovery, I agree with Marc Lewis 100%. He gets it. He's been there. And it works!
Dr Monte is empathic and understands what's going on in the brain, but has never been there. It's all theory. Plus his company 'The Treatment Centre' makes a fortune from addicts, he has an agenda to boot by following the disease model.
Final note: Marc Lewis's books on addiction are pure brilliance, and extremely readable. Highly recommended.
Not sure what you're referring to, the crowd laughed at his jokes several times. Seems like quite a genuine & brilliant chap.
Good info ... He sounds like he had first hand experience before the presentation. Better than listening to people that have no idea what they are talking about. Thanks Marc
Fascinating, and as a physician I totally agree!
31 years ago, I was addicted to cocain...I quit cold turkey, to this day have never relapsed...I do not go to meetings, or counseling, ...I never ever crave for it. Have no desire what so ever!
Then you were not truly addicted or you’re god
Must be nice
Then why would you watch this video?
It wasnt you...God helped you whether you know this or not.
Inclusive of some very powerful messages!😀
Awesome talk. I have been addicted to various drugs through out my life. I was a complete mess until I decided on my own that it wasn't a disease but a habit. I still do drugs occasionally but not habitually. Somethings that helped me was deciding to never doing drugs when I am in a bad mood, never going out of my way to find them and being mindful of when and why I have a craving. Also, hitchhiking through Kansas.
Sounds like a plan, Stan. Those are good rules to live by for people who can get through the first hurdles of sobriety. "...neither abstinence nor excess ever rendered a man happy"- Voltaire
You are not an addict if you can use substances recreationally. Not everyone’s an addict. I get your insight because as a recovering addict of one specific drug myself.. I could use other drugs and put them down but god forbid I get ahold of my drug, it’s like I no longer possess any form of self control.
Your brain doesn’t register the difference between drugs. It just knows that bam. There’s pleasure and I like it. I have severe addiction and have been sober for 1.5 years. If I put ANY substance in me it sets a process into motion where it ALWAYS ends in shooting dope. It’s incredible. Doesn’t matter where it starts. A sip of wine ends at shooting fentanyl.
That’s the problem with addiction. Anything can set it off.
@Phantom Jerker WELL SAID. I'm the same way. Did dope for over 20 years and I tried numerous times to use other drugs and not dope it always brought me back to my drug choice..... Maybe not right away.. but eventually I was back shooting dope. And congrats for the 1.5 years for an addict that's a miracle.
This was the most empowering ever! Thank you:)
Sir
ur vedios have help me recovering from drug addiction. I had hit flat rock bottom emotionally financially n mentally n had no choice but to face it brutally but honestly. I relapsed n had no idea of why. u explained brain n it's pathological role in addiction
thx from the bottom of my heart
How u doing now friend? Hope ur better!
ThIs is a superb talk. Techy enough without excluding a general audience.
OUTSTANDING WORK BREAKING THIS TRUTH OUT OF THE BOX
Thank you so much for this video, I work primarily on emotions and feeling of addiction so its great to have more videos to share on the physical side. Addictions are painkillers and its facing up to the life people dont want to see that is the heard part. I lost my dad to alcohol abuse when I was 14 and although Im at peace now, it was hard watching a parent choose alcohol over his own wife, daughter and son until it took him over completely. or anybody out there whos had the same path (or similar) stay strong and just because some people were not able to cope when we were growing up, it doesnt mean everybody will do the same.
my guiding compass: clarity of focus and always remembering that great Processes Drive great Results!
Thank you. I'm in a minnesota model treatment center and i noticed it was very pseudo-scientific. This gives me a more balanced view of my condition and recovery.
Topi Korhonen good luck my friend!
Murals-lupe fiasco gooo
34:46 - delayed gratification bookmark
I've quit cocaine few months ago, but struggling with alcohol, that's the tough shit, especially when you're alone af
56:00 How do we help addicts feel empowered?
That dude just made me want to go buy an 8ball
g g No HE didn’t!
YOU did!
He just triggered you because he’s talking about your projective identification, your “I-self”, your “addict-self”.
When we’re in our “I-self” mode we’re extremely vulnerable. We go off like a hair-trigger.
Like you just did.
“Notice” that, & keep on “noticing” that & your awareness will grow & expand & you’ll eventually learn how to encapsulate urges & cravings safely because the vessel that is you grows in proportion to your consciousness & your cravings & urges are thenceforth easily housed within the bigger you. They’re still there but they’re no longer overwhelming & you can therefore now tolerate them without giving in to them. They no longer dominate & call the shots.
MindBodyBridging by Guy du Plessis & Stanley Block - look it up.
It can help you assuming you want to be helped?
lol me too
So, I remember my first temptation to try my first cigerette and I ignored the feeling. But, now I smoke a lot of vape does that make me addicted to smoke? Addiction isnt a disease! The choice and behaviroisms causes the addiction to development out of sheer enjoyment to simply do. Marc Lewis is right on
Great talk. Thank you, sir!
Thank you so much for helping to dispel the widespread BS notion of the "disease model" in a really articulate and personal way.
Thank you for the presentation. It really has helped me understand some things.
Do we agree that all addicts need to be and should be saved? :P
No
Yes
No, all addicts should be given the required help to save themselves. No one can be saved who doesn't want to be.
I'm always making plans to get high in a week. Catch a movie, hang out.
Fantastic stuff!
Thank you for your work and book and speaking out .
Excellent! Thank you for the detailed explanation. I’m a Chemical Dependency Counselor, so this topic really sparks my interest!
i find the classes i am taking rather frustrating because they blame their action son the disease of addiction ... like a pit for blame of why they made poor choices . as i go through the class i find my self more and more in disbelief of the process . which is why i found myself at this video and looking for supporting information.
Amazing talk! Science rocks))
This is wonderful!!
Addiction IS a permanent condition. Any addict who has relapsed after years or even decades of sobriety can tell you it picks right back up where it left off. Alcoholics will be back to a 12 pack a day within a week of relapsing. Or by the very next day. You may regain brain matter that allows you to reflect on your decisions more, but the powerful neurocircuits that form during addiction never fade. Relapsing is like a time machine that brings the compulsion back as powerfully as if it never left.
I agree that AA is not a good model for everyone. Most alcoholics get sober on their own, according to the largest study ever conducted by the NIH. The reason is similar to what this guy describes: AA demands too much effort. It works when a person is able to define their life as being about sobriety. But it comes at the expense of some of your other goals, your free time, your personal autonomy and identity, and the constant mental effort of "living god's will." It's an enormous drain that asks more than most people are willing to give.
Recovery does demand a lot more than abstinence. But personal growth can happen many ways. AA seems to work best for people who are conformist, social, and capable of religiosity. There aren't many good options outside of AA, so most of us just find our own path. I'm glad I did. I don't "work" to be sober. I work to improve my life because I want to, not because I have to. That's a much less demanding effort in the long run. I was never able to stay sober in AA. Just did not like the lifestyle at all.
Motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy/addiction, and dialectical behavior therapy have high rates of efficacy when employed in a therapeutic setting with persons presenting with addiction. That being written, I suspect this lecturers assertion that addiction isn't a disease is largely shaped by the material he presented that represents that there are structural changes that account for long term abstinence. His assertions are grounded, also, in that he believes that the brain (which is always seeking homeostasis) learns new ways to achieve a dopamine response to the external stimuli. We know from several studies, both longitudinal and constellar, most people suffering addiction relapse at least three to five times before achieving total sobriety. The key difference in the lasting sobriety is the conscious seeking of and implementation of alternative behaviors to meet the big three of triggers: people, places, and things.
hated AA. didn't help only made me worse. I quit on my own when I made up my mind I was not going to stop at a store and buy any more.
Yup all that it will probably do for me is meet someone who has very good prices and that will trigger me to buy some because it brings me pleasure when I find a cheaper plug with good quality
This gave me so much understanding of addiction. Excellent.
Great talk! Does ring a lot of bells for me.
it's so sad....I am having a hard time dealing with the idea that my teen daughter is attracted to both alcohol and drugs :(. It kinds of makes sense, no matter how well I raised her to be she still ran to the dark side of things :(. I feel helpless, I know from now on I have to be there for her, for making the wrong choices in her life. I personally don't believe in the 12 step bs, once you get in the hard core drugs in your system even if you try to get better, you'll get addicted to something else. Sorry for being hard on those who wants to get help etc. Everything starts from the get go say no to drugs and don't let peer pressure get to you, I did I never touch anything in my life and I've seen teens and adults do it, and a friend from childhood passed away last year from hanging with the wrong crowd. I hate drugs and alcohol and dealers much more!!!!
sraceh.. It is so damned hard! Some bhvrs. are not ok...lying to me, stealing from me...I continue to love my daughter no matter what, Keep reinforcing that love mama, eventually many, many folks return to their families if the families don't bullshit them. The toughh-love attitude sucks,,,the kid becomes further enmeshed in the drug crowd...especially for a young, attractive woman. But...just to reflect " i know who you really are, darlin' and i love you no matter what. Find out about treatment options and get her into an empty bed anywhere, There is much tx. of which I do not approve BUT each time she will pick up some new info and skills. anyhoo...good luck to all. Meg
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Great video. Fundamental mis-representation of what AA teaches though. AA literature is quite clear that a mental defense that relies on willpower fails every time.
Unfortunately, people with little to no experience with AA, will never understand that recovery is not contingent upon what I think, but rather what I DO!
ok boomer
Excellent! Thank you for your work.
I've thought for years that the medical model of addiction was underplaying the role of the psychological.
This was a fascinating lecture and has given me much to contemplate.
I agree. An eating disorder is similar to substance abuse. It is a phycological disorder kind of under Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. A person can recover even if some do relapse. But then most can still get well. You have to engage in the process to help yourself because a therapist can't do it all for you. (just because there can be changes in the brain doesn't mean it is a brain disease. There are changes in the brain for just about everything including falling in love) I wouldn't say it is anything like psychiatric illness(bipolar or schizophrenia) and other physical illness.
The medical model doesn't dispute the possibility that there are psychological factors at work. It's neuroscientists that advocate CBT, meditation and psychedelics. All of these are concessions to the behavioral side.
55:25 Baclofen it's not benzodiazepine... #nosiencehere
Right? Baclofen is most definitely a Gaba B agonist..
This is an interesting talk show about drug abuse, amazing !
thanks great talk
As internet addiction lights up the same area as alcohol addiction does, does that mean that it takes on avg 25 years to get rid of internet addiction!?
Wasn't it 15 years for alcohol and 25 for smoking?
About halfway through he talks about addiction cycle, around 48:00 he starts talking about recovery
He is saying things I’ve been trying to say for the last year but is back by Science
This was awesome 😎-one of the best and most helpful videos I have ever seen. Just brought everything together in an unforgettable and neuroanatomic heuristic. I now fully understand all the other videos and what is wrong with many of them. If you don’t talk in an evolutionary sense about overcoming human limitations and obstacles then you really can’t be truly helpful. Because that’s the why and the how of everything. Literally everything. Thanks so much !!! 🙏🏻💖
My experiences with heroin/cocaine among other substances labeled as "addictive" left me feeling like its meaning is somewhat fictional. In the 19th century the word addiction had no negative connotations at all. It was just a love for something you do often. Then in the 20th century with the drug war taking off it became a part of the propaganda arsenal. My experience with addictive drugs was that addiction is not what I thought it was. I realized I was lied to and that people with serious problems with drugs have traumatic sorrowful lives often filled with different forms of abuse. Its fundamentally wrong that our loving governments try to encourage us to hate these people. I think if drug prohibition were to end everybody would be able to have that first hand experience and grasp exactly what is going on. There would be much more understanding and ability to authentically care for our fellow citizen.
Don't be lied to. End drug prohibition. Have your first hand experience. Realize they are waging a war over fuck all. Get those innocent people out of jail.
Very Informative talk. His effort to explain this complex topic is commendable. The profound psychological basis of addiction is clearly explained. The role of Mindfulness meditation (Vipassana) in alleviating addiction is scientifically proved and his emphasis on this is great 👍
Lewis is quite the inspiration; a human being who overcame his addictions and transformed himself into a world class neuroscience. His model of addiction as being a “pathological overlearning” is excellent and I believe is a great addition to the body of research already established in addiction science. I’m also an avid fan of Dr. Kevin McCauley, who explains what constitutes something as a disease. According to McCauley the disease model developed through Germ Theory, which states there is a defect in the organ which leads to signs and symptoms. The defect would occur in reward pleasure pathway, and can be amended. This would then impact the signs and symptoms. I really like Lewis, however, the argument if we say it is a pathological overlearning, still requires the same type of treatment, CBT at first, then the deep trauma, attachment wounding repeat and resolution. I look at disease as dis-ease. Again, Lewis is a powerhouse and an inspiration.
I don’t know what to believe anymore. I think it’s hard to get addicted to something healthy because there’s usually no immediate reward.
May Loma - 2019-12-17
I'm really addicted to youtube.
nougatbitz - 2020-03-03
May Loma Not by coincidence. Former data scientists having worked for YouTube said the recommendations are tailored not to satisfy what a user wants to actually see but slightly miss the mark and keep people clicking the next video to drive up watch time.