FROM CRIMINALIZATION TO REHABILITATION: Abandoning “The War on Drugs” THESIS EDIT | Page 14

In an interview conducted by David Letterman, in October of 2014, comedian Russell
Brand described heroin as, “a lovely, snuggly, warm cuddle that ruins your life.” Although this
was meant as a joke, the statement speaks directly to what it is that addicts are seeking when they
use drugs. It’s not just about chasing a high.
In his documentary, Brand explains, “I think the reason that I took drugs and drank is the
same reason that anyone takes drugs and drinks to excess. Inside, they’re unhappy... there’s pain
inside of them...the reason I did it is because I couldn’t cope with life. I needed some kind of
anesthetic.” Like most people familiar with addiction, Deepak Chopra explains that when addicts
use drugs they “are looking for a deeper form of ecstasy.” To put this in more mystical, less
scientific terms, “According to Ayurveda, addiction is a second-class substitute for the
exaltation of spirit.” Mirroring this same sentiment are the famous lyrics by Eric Clapton: “If
you got that lose, you want to kick them blues, cocaine”; Sublime: “I smoke two joints in the
afternoon, it makes me feel alright,”; Nirvana: “My heart is broke, but I have some glue. Help
me inhale, and mend it with you.”
HOW ADDICTION DISTORTS THE MIND
Once a person has reached the stage of addiction, what happens to the addicted brain?
How does it affect their behavior and thought patterns? As previously explained, “addiction is a
brain disease [and] no matter how the addict got there” says Dr. Edith London, whether because
of genetic predisposition, or purely environmental pressure, or both, “at this point he has a
problem making decisions.” The essential nature of addiction “has to do with [this] inability to
make proper decisions... the part of the brain that is really critical for decision making is just not
functioning properly. The whole executive center of the brain is involved.”
“The usual motivations: working, loving your family, even eating and sleeping,