Addictions are about multi-level experiences. There is a loss of control--the
substance that once was pleasurable has become "a demon". Contrary to popular belief, addictions are not something whereby
a person can just "pick themselves up by their bootstraps" and stop.
People use substances to feel differently and find the change is only temporary.
Then a person becomes caught in a cycle of using to change their life, yet after the substance is used, life is still the
same.
There is a chemical reaction in a person who uses drugs and alcohol. The
person's brain chemistry will change because of the use of the substance. This will cause the person to think, feel and react
differently than they would without the drugs in their life. The effects of the substance on the brain outlasts the temporary
effect on the person's mood.
There is a stigma about the "typical" addicted person. The truth is, there
is no "typical " addicted person. Doctors, lawyers, clergy, politicians, mothers, grandfathers and wealthy individuals can
be alcoholics and addicts. No walk of life, or demographic group is unaffected by people with substance abuse problems.
Healing from addictions is possible. However it is not something to accomplish
alone. Also, if you are currently with someone or have lived with an addict your life has been affected as well. There are
groups and individuals that are trained to help with these issues. I am a certified addiction counselor (C.A.C.). I also offer
training to other clinicians on this subject.
Web Links:
Addiction Web Portal
12 Steps Program Web Site
www.hazelden.org, their fine bookstore
jump to yahoo! book list
Suggested Reading:
"Getting Beyond Sobriety," Michael Craig Clemmens, Jossey Bass Wiley, 1997.
see this book
see this book
"A Ghost in the Closet: Is There An Alcoholic Hiding?," Dale Mitchel, Hazelden
Pittman Archives Press, 2001.
see this book
see this book
"A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps," Stephanie S.
Covington, Hazelden Information Education, 1994.
see this book
see also A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps Workbook
"Alcohol, Street Drugs, and Emotional Problems: What the Family Needs to
Know," Holary Ryglewicz, et al, Hazelden Information Education, 1994.
see this book
