Addiction affects 23.1 million Americans — of whom only about 11 percent are receiving the treatment they need. – 2016
What is Addiction?
The disease of addiction is now recognized by leading medical authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA). It is a multifaceted, chronic disease that affects all areas of the addict’s life. The family is also affected greatly. If not treated, the disease always leads to devastation and death.
It is a Physical, Mental and Spiritual Disease, not a Moral Deficiency.
Addiction has a devastating effect on all areas of the affected person – physical, mental, social, financial, emotional and spiritual. His ethical or value system is greatly eroded – he easily lies, cheats, manipulates or steals to maintain his habit. It adversely affects his relationships with family, colleagues and friends.
Acceptance of Addiction as a “Disease” is Essential in the Recovery Process.
Like all diseases, addiction has certain characteristics. Details may vary from person to person, but the symptoms and patterns are predictable: First of all, it is primary. That means the problem is within the addict and not caused by any external influences. Modern research has identified a genetic factor in the disease and scientists have isolated certain chemicals or neuro transmitters in the brain, which are directly related. Parents usually blame their child’s “bad company”. Addicts themselves give a variety of excuses, such as too much stress at work or too little love and understanding at home. This is typical, since addiction is characterized by denial – within the addict and in his family. Both try to justify, rationalize and blame people, places and situations. Both will adopt various control strategies to reduce or stop his habit. The addict may resolve to use drugs only in the evenings, or only on weekends, or shift from one substance to another. However, all control strategies inevitably fail.
Total abstinence is the only way to achieve long term recovery
Addiction is a progressive disease. Starting with an occasional drink, pill or fix, an addict needs increasing quantities to achieve the same’ high’, since the body develops a tolerance. An abstinent addict cannot use drugs and hope to continue a controlled pattern. He will inevitably return to obsessive and compulsive drug use. Total abstinence is the only way.
Addiction is a Family Disease
Addiction is a family disease. It affects the entire family, especially the wife, parents and children. They experience similar negative feelings as the addict- fear, anger, hurt, confusion, guilt, shame, hope followed by despair. Even their behavioral patterns become similar. Just as the addict tries various control strategies to reduce or stop using, the family members also begin to lie, manipulate and deceive in their vain attempts to control or cover up his habit. The family members are in desperate need of proper help, support and understanding.
It is Treatable
Fourth, it is an incurable disease. However, it is treatable. Like diabetes, a regular treatment schedule is required, to keep the disease in check. Individuals suffering from the disease of addiction are highly prone to relapse. A rigorous maintenance schedule is essential in order to stay clean. Fortunately, appropriate treatment is now available.
* www.medlineplus.gov
(2011). Scientific Research has Revolutionized our Understanding of Drug Abuse and Addiction (C. Klose, Ed.) National Institues on Health (NIH) Medline Plus the Magazine, Fall 2011 Issue: Volume 6 Number 3 Page 16.