Comments on: Boston Psychiatrist’s Straight Talk About Addiction and the Brain

By: Alan Fisch, MD

Alan Fisch, MD — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 22:43:21 +0000

Author responds:
Despite scientific research and advances, we are woefully ignorant about how the human brain works and can mostly only speculate about it. We do know that humans are relatively weak creatures compared to the fierce, stronger, faster predators and the harsh conditions early protohumans had to contend with early on; yet here we are- and we assume that human brain power is the major factor that allowed us to adapt and survive. Electricity is a good metaphor for the brain: we don’t exactly know what it is, but we know how to direct it, put it to good use and how to fix it when there is something wrong. I appreciate the people who took the time with thoughtfulness and curiosity to respond to my article.

By: Anthony Centore

Anthony Centore — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 20:10:30 +0000

Dr Fisch, this is a nicely balanced and well referenced piece. Thank you for writing it. Interesting points about neuro-plasticity, and also the dangers of exposure to “reminders of addicted states” that could set a recovering individual back to using.

By: Michael R

Michael R — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:27:37 +0000

You stated, “Research has shattered long-held beliefs that the human brain completed its formative structure at about 5 years of age.” That’s very interesting. That makes me wonder how the actual process of learning and retaining knowledge changes as we age? Based on this statement, I suppose that the reason why people fail to learn or retain information as they age is more about process and less about ability. Would you say this is accurate?

By: charles lewis

charles lewis — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:38:06 +0000

In defining addiction, I find the use of the word highjack as being too emtional laden. I see the addiction as the brain adaptating to novel experiences: i.e. neuroplasticity. In other words, the brain is undergoing neuro-remapping. Also, I question conceptualizing addiction primarly at the level of brain processes. From brain processes the mind emerages, the notion of addicatio should also be rooted in this emergence. Can we fully undertstand addication by look at one brain. I see addication as also occuring between the interaction of brains. I do not see addication as a mind disease.