Chronic Pain, part 2: The disease

HAMILTON - Newton’s third law of motion states that, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” According to Dr. Brent Boyett, the chief medical officer of Pathway Healthcare, the same rule applies to drugs. The disease of addiction Boyett describes addiction as a chronic disease that effects the pleasure/pain center of the brain. He said that pain and pleasure dictate everything we do. According to Boyett, the feelings of pain and pleasure are critical in survival. Pain and displeasure, also known as “dysphoria,” let people know that whatever they did to cause those feelings is harmful and not good for survival.