What is Addiction ?

Addiction can be a complex subject. Is there an addiction gene that can be passed down from one generation to the next? Can addiction really be cured, or is it just suppressed?

Addiction has been defined as:

Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs) with regard solely to psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier and once ingested, temporarily alter the chemical milieu of the brain.

The consumption of any psychoactive drug, legal or illegal, can be thought of as comprising three stages: use, abuse, and addiction. Initially the user may consume the drug simply to obtain the resulting pleasurable or other beneficial effects. If use of the drug then escalates to the point where it is interfering with the ability of the user to function normally, use may turn into abuse, and if drug consumption increases further the user may become addicted. People can also become addicted to other pleasurable activities, including gambling, computer games, exercise, surfing the Internet, or sex.

The terms ‘abuse’ and ‘addiction’, however, have been defined and re-defined over the years. Addiction used to be a term used to describe only those conditions in which terminating use leads to unpleasant physical signs of withdrawal. These are particularly prominent in regular users of such ‘hard drugs’ as heroin and cocaine, and in alcoholics.

The most commonly accepted current modern system of diagnosis is that published by the American Psychiatric Association, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)

A maladaptive pattern of substance abuse, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
(1) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amount of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
(2) Withdrawal, as defined by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance.
(b) The same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
(3) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
(4) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
(5) A great deal of time is spent in activities to obtain the substance (e.g. visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g. chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.
(6) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
(7) The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g. current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).

So many centers are claiming to have the cure, or the highest success rate. The reality is that different people respond to different types of treatment, for different reasons. Only a trained alcohol and drug counselor can examine a case history and make a good recommendation and referral based on the data at hand.

The problem is that addicts believe they have found one thing that is the solution to all of their problems. This is because no matter what issue arises or what difficulties they are experiencing, their drug of choice will relieve their stress and worries, which makes it extremely difficult for them to try and deal with their problems in a healthy way.

When people are addicted, their emotional well being severely altered . After using drugs and alcohol for so long to deal with the issues that life brings, drug addicts will be very sensitive to complications or dilemmas in life. This is due to their lack of addressing these circumstances. These circumstances also worsen when a person is using drugs and the whole situation just snowballs and causes a downward spiral effect. The more a person uses drugs, the more they need to use drugs. Even people who are addicts themselves do not realize this fact. All they know is that no matter what happens and where they are that they can take their drug of choice and feel good and all of their problems will float away and they will be peaceful

Keep in mind that you are trying to save a life. This could be the biggest decision that you and your family make. It is vital that you do a little research or obtain professional help when choosing a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center.

Addiction affects family members worse than it does the actual addict. This is because the family members are not high and drunk and are able to have an outside, objective viewpoint on the damage the addiction is causing. The addict is constantly in a haze and off in another world, so they do not realize all of the damage they are doing to themselves by living their lifestyle.When a person is an addict they hide from the world, especially their parents. They hide because they don’t want to see the disappointment on their faces.

Addiction is difficult because deep down the person knows he is good,however he has done things he is not proud of and does not want anyone to find out about.Recovery is about honesty,Its about admitting one is wrong and taking responsibility for their actions.Recovery is about being caring towards all family and friends in one’s recovery and support network.

So, should you a attempt a family intervention or try to bring in a professional interventionist? What about the differences between Government funded programs and private facilities? Our counselors are here to help you make these important decisions and are available almost any time of day or night with no fee for this service.

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