Addiction is a complicated issue that is often misunderstood. On the surface, it seems to be a purely physical issue, an unstoppable physiological response. But dig a bit deeper and you can see that addiction is really a deeply psychological experience with ethical, moral and even philosophical implications. To truly understand and effectively address addiction, one must view it from the perspective of philosophy.
Addiction is rooted in personal values and beliefs. A person’s addiction is the result of their core system of values and beliefs; it remains true in the face of all logic and reason. For an addict, their addiction has become their own moral code and it influences their decisions, desires and behavior. In this way, addiction can be seen as an extreme form of ethics or a philosophy of life.
As philosopher Immanuel Kant observed, “Thoughts without content are hollow; emotions without ideas are blind.” Kant argues that reason and emotion must be considered in tandem in order to understand a given situation. The same can be said about addiction. Philosophy can help reconcile the obvious tension between an addict’s craving for their substance of choice and their understanding of why that craving is detrimental to their life and health.
Philosophy can also be a useful tool in developing a positive attitude and outlook for an addict’s life after recovery. By introducing the addict to a logical, ethical and consistent system of life and living, philosophy can provide a sense of purpose and direction. Philosophers like Aristotle, Kant and Plato have long discussed the need for a moral code in order to lead a good and successful life; this same moral code can provide a strong foundation on which an addict can rebuild and grow after recovery.
The philosophical approach to addiction treatment can also help us to better understand the psychological aspect of addiction. As philosopher David Hume famously noted, “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.” Hume was referring to the idea that our decisions, moral or otherwise, are based on our own unique desires and feelings. This is true for addiction as well, and understanding this is a key part of helping an addict see and break their destructive patterns and begin to rebuild a life of health and success.
Ultimately, philosophy can provide a much-needed perspective in the treatment of addiction. By giving an addict space to carefully assess and consider the ethical and logical implications of their own behavior, philosophy can be an invaluable aid in their recovery process. With philosophy as a tool, an addict can better understand their addiction, take responsibility for their choices and create a meaningful life after addiction.
