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Exposed: The Surprising Truth About Addiction That Every Parent Needs to Know

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box. Solutions abound.

Timothy Harrington
3 min readJan 6, 2024

Introduction

I’m a behavioral health specialist with nearly 25 years of experience in both personal and professional realms. Today, I want to talk to you, the parents who are tirelessly navigating the murky waters of addiction and its often-overlooked companions, mental and emotional injuries. Through my journey, I’ve come to see the experience of addiction not as a chronic brain disease, but as a complex interplay of various factors. Let’s explore this perspective together.

Understanding Addiction Beyond the ‘Chronic Brain Disease’ Model

The Limitations of the Chronic Brain Disease Model

Firstly, it’s vital to understand why viewing addiction solely as a chronic brain disease can be limiting. This model, though popular, often reduces addiction to a neurological malfunction. However, addiction is far more intricate. It’s like a tapestry woven from various threads: psychological, social, and environmental.

The Holistic View of Addiction

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Timothy Harrington
Timothy Harrington

Written by Timothy Harrington

Champion of Family and Community Powered Change Related to Addiction, Mental and Emotional Health Challenges

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