The relationship of maternal gestational drug and alcohol intake, psychosocial functioning and lifetime mental disorder with anxiety and stress during pregnancy

Issue: Addiction is increasingly described as a ‘chronic and relapsing brain disease’. This study examines: (i) the extent to which leading Australian addiction neuroscientists and clinicians accept the brain disease view of addiction; and (ii) their views on the likely impacts of this view on addicted individuals’ beliefs and behaviour. Approach: Qualitative research methods were used to examine clinician and neuroscientists’ views of the impact of neuroscience research on our understanding and treatment of addiction. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 Australian addiction neuroscientists and clinicians.Key Findings: Results showed that most addiction neuroscientists and clinicians did not uncritically support the use of a brain disease model of addiction. They were cautious about the potential for adverse impacts on individuals’ recovery and motivation to enter treatment. Some recognised however the possibility that the brain disease model may provide a rationale for addicted persons to seek treatment and motivate behaviour change.Implications: We should not assume that messages about ‘diseased brains’ will always lead to increased treatment-seeking and reduced drug use. Messages about neuroscience research need to be tailored to individuals to foster better choices and health outcomes and avoid negative consequences.Conclusion: Addiction neuroscientist and clinicians do not assume that messages about ‘diseased brains’ will always lead to increased treatment-seeking and reduced drug use. Research is needed on how neuroscience research could be used in ways that optimise the potential for positive outcomes for addicted persons.