MELANIE GRIFFITH is determined to remove the social stigma attached to drug addiction - and to educate the public that addiction is actually a brain disease.

The WORKING GIRL actress has just spent a relaxing Thanksgiving weekend (23-26NOV00) at home with husband ANTONIO BANDERAS and their children, enjoying her new de-toxified lifestyle. But, vowing to attend a 12-step drug rehabilitation programme, Griffith has decided it's time the general public realised addiction is not a dirty word.

She says, "One of the problems we have faced is that for many years addiction has been viewed as a character flaw, as a weakness, and as a choice by those of us who have become dependent on substances such as alcohol and prescription pain medications. "Years ago depression was viewed as a personal weakness, but then it was discovered that it was a disease in which there are low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

"Similarly, addiction has been viewed as a personal weakness or character flaw, but research points to abnormalities in another neurotransmitter, dopamine, as one of the major reasons behind the cravings." She's also keen to point out that genetics and family history play a big role in addiction. She continues, "My doctor has explained to me the important role of genetic predisposition to addiction. Many people who become addicted can identify parents or relatives who have had drug problems." (SVD/WNWC/CPT)

Source: WENN