The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz: Challenging the Notion of Addiction as a Disease with Dr. Jeffrey Schaler

In this thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist," your host Michael Liebowitz engages in a stimulating conversation with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Jeffrey Schaler. Together, they challenge the prevailing idea that addiction is a disease and delve into the social and environmental factors that influence addictive behaviour.

Dr. Schaler, a retired professor of Justice, Law, and Society at American University, brings his extensive expertise and groundbreaking research to the forefront. Having previously written a dissertation that challenged the concept of addiction as a disease, he argues against the widely held belief and explores the notion that those who subscribe to the disease model often belong to groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, which he suggests have religious undertones.During the episode, Dr. Schaler introduces his book titled "Addiction is a Choice" and shares his perspective on the impact of the environment on addiction, emphasising that it plays a crucial role while genetics take a backseat.

The hosts question why society tends to view addiction differently from other existential issues, such as life problems, that are commonly perceived as solvable through personal choice, rather than being labeled as diseases or mental health conditions.Drawing from empirical evidence, including a study on heroin addiction among soldiers in the Vietnam War, Dr. Schaler highlights the significant role of environment in determining addictive behaviour. The hosts discuss the statistic that 87% of confirmed heroin users who were soldiers in Vietnam gave up their addiction upon returning home, where the environment no longer fostered the need for drug use as an escape.

They also touch upon the resourcefulness and strength of will often observed in drug addicts when it comes to sourcing drugs.Dr. Schaler argues that addictive behaviour falls outside the realm of involuntary physical conditions like seizures or low insulin levels, asserting that it is an expression of a person's values and therefore a moral issue. He posits that individuals cease drug use when it becomes personally significant enough for them to make the volitional choice to stop, firmly placing the responsibility on the individual.

Additionally, the hosts explore the idea that learned behaviours related to drug use are primarily influenced by the environment rather than genetics, and that the presence of heritability does not negate the existence of free will.Join Michael Liebowitz and Dr. Jeffrey Schaler in this captivating episode as they challenge conventional beliefs, dissect addiction from a rational egoist perspective, and explore the intricate relationship between personal choice, environment, and addictive behaviour.

(Note: The content of this episode does not endorse or undermine any specific treatment approaches or organisations.)

Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.