Is a brain-based understanding of addiction predominant? An assessment of addiction researchers' conceptions of addiction and their evaluation of brain-based explanations

Original research
by
Ochterbeck, Doris & Sarah Forberger

Release Date

2022

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

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.

Findings/Key points

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.

Design/methods

Sample of 1440 addiction researchers; 190 respondents (13.9% response rate)

Keywords

About prescribers
Mental health