The Need to Redefine Addiction

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Abstract
Addiction is generally defined in terms of physical dependence and tolerance associated with current drug use, and these phenomena have received virtually all the attention of researchers and clinicians in the field. In fact, however, further elucidation of the pharmacodynamics of dependence and tolerance, although important, is less critical than an understanding of the extremely high likelihood of recidivism after "detoxification." Similarly, the challenge to clinicians lies entirely in maintaining abstinence once it has been achieved. This is not just the most difficult aspect of the problem; it is the only problem.What is needed is a redefinition of "addiction" . . .

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