ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION
I S A D D I C T I O N R U N N I N G Y O U R L I F E
The modern day perspective asserts that addiction is primarily a psychological and
physiological disorder. There are psychological triggers, circumstances, and
patterns of behavior that initiate and re-enforce addictive behavior as well as
physiological correlates of addiction that further compel it. For example,
alcoholism is seen as triggered by a variety of identifiable psychological
circumstances sustained by physiological dependence.
The approach to treatment is multi-modal addressing both its psychological and
biological aspects. Twelve Steps programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous,
currently the mainstay of treatment for addictive disorders, have expanded this
perspective by emphasizing the role of spirituality. Because of its success in
assisting with addiction it is important to carefully examine the original spiritual
vision and intent of AA. This undertaking will point us in the direction of a very
different understanding of this disorder.
DEFINITION OF A DRUG AND DRUG USE
A drug is defined as any substance that can alter the homeostasis of the body.
Individuals consuming these substances can be described as using, misusing, or
abusing drugs or any other substances.
Drug Misuse-Drug misuse is use of a drug that may result in transient physical,
mental, or social problems. Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking marijuana
for improved social skills would be drug misuse. Giving a prescription to a friend
or family member because he or she has the same symptoms as you do, or taking
more of a medication and at more frequent intervals than prescribed, would also
be considered drug misuse.
Drug and drug Abuse
Dual Diagnosis: Information and Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders
A dual diagnosis is given to an individual who has both a mental disorder and an alcohol or
drug problem. These conditions occur together frequently. Trying to manage just one of
these problems can be extremely stressful. To complicate things further, add to the mix
multiple symptoms that overlap and mask the ability to make a diagnosis, and what you
are left with is a difficult and complex challenge to find a successful treatment. To
achieve the best possible outcome, both disorders must be treated simultaneously
because the cumulative effect influences all aspects of the individual’s life and greatly
increases their risk for relapse.
The relationship between mental illness and substance abuse
Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation
Family History of Alcoholism May Predict Adult Alcohol-Use Disorders
Most young adults grow out of the heavy drinking typical of their college years, but children
from families with a high level of alcoholism are more likely to continue drinking heavily
and develop alcohol-use disorders (AUD) even after they graduate, Health Day News
reported June 4.
Researcher Christy Capone of Brown University's Centre for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
and colleagues compared drinking rates of college-age adults to the density of family
history of alcoholism (FHA) -- the number of alcoholics in their whole family, not just a
mother or father.
ndividuals whose first- or second-degree relatives had a history of alcoholism were at
greater risk of drinking problems themselves, and researchers said many of these cases
would have been missed if researchers had only looked at immediate family history of
Family and Alcohol News
What is addiction?
The term "addiction" refers to a strong dependence or habitual use of a substance or
practice, despite the negative consequences of its use. This may refer to substance
addictions, (e.g. alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs) or behavioural addictions, (e.g.
work, food, sex, gambling, relationships, computers, pornography, cutting etc.). An
addiction may be harmful to a person's mental, physical and spiritual health, their
connections with family and friends, their work life and economic functioning.
How does The Bay view addiction?
The Bay Approach™ sees destructive patterns of thought and behaviour, such as chemical
and other dependencies, as an individual's changeable creative adaptation for survival in
the face of life events. Rather than seeing them as embedded for life, The Bay holds the
view that these adaptations can change.
Questions to Ask