Philosophy Talk What Is Addiction?
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Mar 15, 2026 
Hannah Pickard, philosopher and Johns Hopkins professor who studies psychiatry and ethics, discusses addiction as 'drug use gone wrong' and critiques the brain-disease view. She explores why substances persistently relieve suffering, how addiction can shape identity, the role of stigma and labels, and policy shifts like decriminalization and harm reduction.
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Recovery Stories Show Diverse Paths Into And Out
- The Dopey podcast and AA attendees illustrate varied pathways into and out of addiction across backgrounds and substances.
- Stories include long-term opioid struggles, meth-driven crimes, divorce, and recovery aided by AA, hobbies, and community.
From Wall Street To Prison To Recovery Speaker
- Dave Mannheim's recovery podcast Dopey features guests whose lives were wrecked by addiction but later found purpose.
- Damon West's meth use led from Wall Street to living on the streets and eventual prison, then parole and motivational speaking.
Addiction Can Become A Core Identity
- Addiction can be woven into identity, giving people community and structure that make stopping feel existentially threatening.
- Long-term users may fear losing meaning and belonging if asked to drop the addict identity.