We all know drug and alcohol addiction occurs. We also know
some people can use and not get addicted. We all know that
they are both injurious to our health. Then why is it that
the addiction to drugs and alcohol is increasing everyday?
Why do people still destroy their lives and family? Is drug
and alcohol addiction a matter of will power, choice or is
it a disease?
Let's examine these questions in detail.
First it's important to understand the cycle of addiction.
When a person takes things like alcohol or drugs, these
substances alter the chemical composition of the brain. The
drug or the alcohol induces the brain to release endorphins
or the pleasure causing substances. As a result the person
loses all his inhibitions and feels "high". The process of
addiction is a sine wave phenomenon with sharp peaks and
troughs. Once the "high" wears off, the person starts to
feel low and depressed. He starts craving for the next fix
since his body demands it. He becomes focused on just one
thing and that is getting high again. He spends all his
energy in getting the drug or the alcohol and nothing else
matters.
In other words addiction is not a behavior issue, In fact
it is a disease. Will power may be important in refusing
the drug or the alcohol initially, however once the person
is addicted then it does not remain only their will
anymore, instead it actually becomes a conditioned reflex.
Who are at risk for addiction? Almost everyone is at a
risk; however some people are at a greater risk of
addiction than the others. A lot of factors come into play
as far as addiction is concerned:
1. Genetics: When drug or substance abuse runs in the
family, then there is a greater chance of the person
getting addicted since the chemically altered nature of the
brain may be hereditary.
2. Low self-esteem: low self esteem or depression tendency
may also lead to addiction. The reason for this is quite
simple. People who have low self-esteem or self-confidence
are constantly looking for ways to make them feel better.
Drugs/alcohol gives them that high, which makes them feel
that they are better than anyone else.
3. Emotional factors: People who crave for love or children
whose parents are unable to provide them with unconditional
love are also at a high risk for addiction. Such children
want to be needed and loved, which they do not find at home
and hence seek in peers. Most of the times, just to please
their friends, they get into drugs or alcohol and oft time
develops an addiction.
Addiction is a disease that ruins a capable and intelligent
human being. This disease needs treatment like all the
other diseases. The catch in this situation is that the
patient is unaware of his problem and may even deny it.
Hence it's important to treat the patient with love and
understanding. With the right treatment addiction to drugs
and alcohol can be cured and the persons' life put back in
order.
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Pick up your free 103 page Addiction Recovery Help Guide
and enhance your life free of addictions. Join our growing
community. The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an
addictions therapist at a leading drug rehab. He teaches
healthy life styles and life skills. Visit:
http://AddictionRecoveryBasics.com
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