If the drug alleviates the emotional issues by providing the missing chemicals or handling the excess, there could still be alternative treatments (since neurop

If the drug alleviates the emotional issues by providing the missing chemicals or handling the excess, there could still be alternative treatments (since neuroplasticity & neurogenesis are things we're starting to learn how to stimulate). Also, I can't think of any chronic chemical imbalances that wouldn't indirectly alter thought patterns & physical behaviors over time, which suggests self-medication would need to start before those patterns can become well-formed in the brain. If, on the other hand, the drug alleviates the emotional issues by distracting from or reducing the pain, that's pretty much the definition of addiction. The real question is why not assume it's all of the things & approach accordingly? Most of my breakthroughs in addiction were the result of things I'd learned on my own & not through therapy. Yes, some of those things were suggested to me by therapists, but I did the work. IMO, the biggest key to recovery (from addiction & anything else) is the patient becoming an active participant, rather than being someone who needs to be treated by others.