Pathological pursuit of rewards

addiction (Photo credit: Alan Cleaver)

Traditionally, people with addictions have sought and received treatment for a particular substance or behavior. This has sometimes resulted in the person substituting addictions -- what ASAM calls the "pathological pursuit of rewards" -- because the underlying cause was not treated.
The group suggest that comprehensive addiction treatment should focus on all active and potential substances and behaviors that could be addictive. ASAM was careful to point out that the fact that addiction is a primary, chronic brain disease does not absolve addicts from taking responsibility for their behaviors.
Just as people with heart disease or diabetes have to take personal responsibility for managing their illness, persons with addictions also must take the steps necessary to minimize their chance of relapse, ASAM said.

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