Evolution of opioid addiction as a brain disease from stigma to modern neurosciences

摘要

The concept of addiction as a brain disease has been challenged by the public for a long time. Addiction has been considered a moral defect for centuries. Recently, neurobiological studies have shown that addiction can change certain brain circuits, which impairs its functions in a way that makes the addicted individual vulnerable for relapse. This commentary will discuss the evolution of opioid addiction and how it progressed into what it is now. It will provide the scientific evidence that supports the concept of opioid addiction as a brain disease.