Understanding addictions from a different perspective

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee is one of the many states hit hard with drug-related deaths, and addictions likely have something to do with that.

In response a seminar held today put a different perspective on understanding addictions.

Using a white board, Tim Hilton tackles the often confusing disease of addiction in Laymens.

“When an addict uses their drug of choice, it’s delivering 5 times more dopamine than sex,” explained Hilton.

At least 50 people showed up for this two hour event. It’s focus is the discussion of addicts’ behavior from a biological standpoint, and all of this coming from someone who has battle addictions of his own.

Tim Hilton said, “Far too often people still have this belief that addiction is about a moral failing, it’s about people being bad. When the reality is… it’s about a disease, and it’s about people being sick. Accountability is important. I’m not trying to say that addicts should not be fully accountable for their behavior, but until we can understand the underlying cause.. until communities can begin to address that the problem isn’t going to get any better.”

In Tennessee it seems drugs are taking the lives of loved ones more often. In 2016, the state saw a rise of over 16,000 deaths.

Hilton says education is key in battling addictions.

“Our communities have to understand what they’re up against. Families have to understand what they’re up against.. Addicts aren’t bad people, their behavior is bad. Their behavior is inexcusable, but they’re not bad people… and you will never be angry enough to convince an addict to get better. You will never punish an addict enough to get better… but we might possibly love someone enough to help them heal.”