Biden Challenges Public Perception of Addiction

Aug. 3, 2007 — -- As starlets head in and out of rehab, everyone from gossip columnists to housewives are voicing their opinions on what defines addiction. Now, even politicians are weighing in on the debate.

Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., is introducing legislation that portrays addiction as a preventable, treatable brain disease.

"Addiction is a neurobiological disease -- not a lifestyle choice -- and it's about time we start treating it as such," Biden said in a statement. "We must lead by example and change the names of our federal research institutes to accurately reflect this reality. By changing the way we talk about addiction, we change the way people think about addiction, both of which are critical steps in getting past the social stigma too often associated with the disease."

Under the Recognizing Addiction as a Disease Act of 2007, which Biden sponsored, the National Institute on Drug Abuse will become the National Institute on Diseases of Addiction, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism will become the National Institute on Alcohol Disorders and Health.

The debate over whether addiction is a brain disease or a moral failing is not new to the scientific or medical community. Most would agree that addiction is in fact a brain disease.

However, many are concerned that society continues to unfairly stigmatize those affected, thus rendering them unwilling to seek the treatment they need. They view Biden's legislation as an important step toward educating the public.

"In sum, we believe that language matters. We believe these seemingly small changes represent a large step in the right direction as we work together to chip away at the misconceptions -- and discrimination -- associated with addiction," explained Lewis Gallant, executive director of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, in a letter of support addressed to the HELP Committee.

David Gastfriend, vice president for medical affairs at Alkermes, agrees.