Speakers - AWC 2025

Abstract

Values and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping our daily decisions and influencing behaviors, particularly regarding addiction. While addiction is often viewed as a disease characterized by a lack of control, it also involves choices that can lead to negative outcomes, such as drug use initiation. Personal accountability for these choices is essential, as even well-intentioned decisions made for what we believe it is best for us, can result in harmful habits associated with addiction. Beliefs, including religious or spiritual values, significantly impact how individuals approach addiction, offering guidance in avoiding or overcoming it. The decision to quit an addiction is multifaceted, influenced by free will, societal pressures, and personal beliefs about right and wrong. Many individuals find strength in their values, often choosing to stop addictive behaviors independently of professional intervention. Although addiction has neurological implications that alter brain function, personal willingness and commitment are vital in the recovery process. Understanding the significance of personal values and beliefs is critical in developing effective strategies for addiction prevention and treatment. Recognizing one’s ability to make choices empowers individuals to regain control of their lives and cultivate healthier decision-making skills, ultimately supporting recovery and long-term change. The decision to quit an addiction is complex and is influenced by our own free will, compulsive actions, influence of society, and what we believe is right.
This presentation focusses on the influence of Values and Beliefs on four major issues; Addiction and choices, Spirituality and Religiosity, Behavioral Addiction, and Quitting Addiction.
This original work was published Jan 2025 as a chapter in a book; Multidisciplinary Approach for Better Understanding of Addictive Behaviour by Dr. Pilar Almela Rojo and Dr. Elena Martínez-Laorden