The physiologic changes that happen to the brain with sustained heavy drug use make it reasonable to consider addiction a brain disease. The loss of resilience and ability to restore homeostasis after prolonged drug use calls for interventions to help individuals recover from addiction.
The brain physiologic changes that occur with sustained heavy drug use justify understanding addiction as a brain disease. Although it is wise to not give up on people struggling with addiction, it is important to understand the disease and explore ways to help them.
The speaker considers themselves fortunate not to have a propensity for drugs or alcohol, and lacks empathy for those who do. They don't have a desire for alcohol and believes they have compassion but not empathy for those with addictions.
The hosts discuss the sensation of an itch and how it's hard to resist scratching it, as well as techniques to resist scratching.