We err, however, when we focus on drugs alone: it does not take a substance addiction to bring about changes in brain chemistry. Scans have shown similar deleterious changes in the brains of nonsubstance addicts as well, such as inveterate internet gamers.[4] The compulsive intake of foods that trigger the brain’s reward apparatus can also produce such effects.[5] For all that, the equation of addiction with a largely genetically programmed, treatable disease[*][6] is, as mentioned, scientifically and humanely a step forward from the shaming “bad choices” model.
