The new definition of addiction – What is “Addiction”?
Traditionally, addiction was thought of simply as dependence on an addictive substance, such as alcohol or drugs. Although there are biological symptoms (e.g., withdrawal symptoms when the substance is no longer ingested), the prevailing view was that addiction was a psychological dependence. To think of addiction in this way would mean narrowing the scope of “treatment” to the decision-making of the individual. Since addiction remains a major social problem (exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns)1, it is important to look at treatments that can be effective rather than orthodox thinking.
In the past decade, however, a new philosophy has emerged. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is now defined as a chronic brain disorder and not simply a behavioral problem or the result of simply making bad choices.2 This means that new treatments can be developed using this new type of thinking. The following startup companies are attempting to combine this new way of thinking with modern capabilities, such as technology, to treat addiction.
New Substitute Chemicals : ZPharm
Issue being addressed
Many people have trouble quitting smoking. Although partly based on choice, when addiction is considered as a disease, much of the problem is that nicotine, an addictive substance, makes it impossible to quit not just mentally but also physically. Alternatives that already exist (e.g., nicotine patches) may only be somewhat helpful, as they still provide the same addictive substance.3
Business model
ZPharm is based entirely on their proprietary product Cravv, health product based on natural materials dedicated to helping people stop smoking. Cheaper than most smoking alternatives, Zpharm also has multiple published papers on their website comparing its product scientifically to other alternatives. This alternative chemical has virtually no biologically addictive properties but satisfies the same chemical cravings that the body needs after a smoking addiction. This substance is available to everyone in (primarily Canadian) pharmacies and is thus easily accessible.4
Reason for inclusion
This company is using new technology to create a new type of chemical substance that is a safe alternative to addictive substances; the company has even sought out peer-reviewed studies to confirm their claims.5 Psychological dependence is always a problem, but if in the future we can create alternatives like ZPharm’s product, addiction to any substance will be more easily treated.
Utilization of Technology for Rehabilitation : Virtual Rehab
Issue being addressed
Even with modern treatment, alcohol and illicit drug use causes 39 deaths per 100,000 people. Relapse is also very common, and the relapse rate after recovery can reach 90%.6 This implies that traditional rehabilitation techniques and treatments are not satisfyingly effective.
Business model
Virtual Rehab provides evidence-based solutions for psychological rehabilitation of vulnerable populations using VR, AI, and blockchain technology. Studies have also shown that once recovering individuals develop strategies to avoid recurrence in the virtual world, they can use those strategies in real-world situations.7 Virtual Rehab is creating a product that creates psychological tools to battle the biological dependences.
Reason for inclusion
Many companies focus only on direct treatment and not on how individuals respond. This company seeks to directly help common barriers to treatment. Additionally, this company is openly innovating to take advantage of new technologies and strategies.
Telehealth : NuLife Virtual
Issue being addressed
Many addicts need what is called a “support system” where they can get support and reassurance from other people (e.g., AA for alcoholics). However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many from leaving their homes to attend these meetings. As a result, addiction rates rose rapidly over the period from 2020.8
Business model
Nulife describes itself as a “modern approach to addiction treatment.” By working closely with select recovery centers and practitioners, the company offers a better way of life for everyone through access to treatment, expertly evaluated resources, social support, and community services at all points of the recovery journey, including family and friends. Also helpful, all services are accessible online and nearly 24/7. In addition, each patient can communicate directly with a licensed therapist or physician, so they can send a message to someone for support whenever they need it, even at home or at night.9
Reason for inclusion
Communication with people who cannot or do not want to leave their homes is becoming essential, especially in a post-COVID 19 society. With so many people worried about injuries and other problems, “telehealth” tends to forget about smaller issues for individuals, such as mental health and addiction treatment. To this end, Nulife is trying to fill a niche for those who have been left behind by advances in medical technology.
All URLs were viewed on 8-5-2022.
1 The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-generals-report.pdf
2 Addiction Has A New Definition – It Is A Disease, Not Just Bad Choices Or Behaviors (medicalnewstoday.com) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232841#1
3 Effectiveness of nicotine patches is overstated – PMC (nih.gov) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1126361/
4 Home | zpharm: Quit Smoking Naturally. https://www.zpharm.ca/
5 PUB077 Cytisine versus Nicotine Replacement Treatment Real-Life Effectiveness for Smoking Cessation – Journal of Thoracic Oncology (jto.org) https://www.jto.org/article/S1556-0864(16)33288-9/fulltext
ZPharm – Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/zpharm
6 Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use in the United States | CDC https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/features/excessive-alcohol-deaths.html
7 Home – Virtual Rehab https://www.virtualrehab.co/
Virtual Rehab – Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/virtual-rehab
8 COVID-19 & Substance Use | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/comorbidity/covid-19-substance-use
9 Nulife Virtual – Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/nulife-virtual
NuLife: The #1 Virtual Care App for Recovery (nulifevirtual.com) https://nulifevirtual.com/