September is designated as National Alcohol and Drug Addition Recovery Month to promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible. Jill Liesveld, MD, director of the Chemical Dependency Service at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about addiction and recovery:
What is considered an addiction?
Addiction is considered to be a treatable brain disorder. It is a chronic condition, and typically addicted people have trouble controlling their need for alcohol or other drugs despite knowing that it’s causing problems in their lives. Addiction is generally characterized by some compulsive drug-seeking and also by cravings.
How does addiction differ from binge use of drugs or alcohol?
People who binge use alcohol or drugs typically use heavily over a short period of time and then can go for longer periods of time without using and not suffer withdrawal symptoms, whereas an addicted person uses compulsively, and when they stop using or drinking, they typically have withdrawal symptoms.
Does everyone who uses alcohol and drugs become addicted eventually, like a smoker eventually becomes addicted to nicotine?
No, not everyone who uses drugs and alcohol becomes addicted. There are a number of risk factors involved. And certain drugs, such as narcotics and cocaine, are more likely to cause physical dependence than other drugs.
Are there genetic links to alcohol and drug addictions?
Yes, the risk of addiction is at least partly inherited. For instance, children with parents who have alcoholism are about four times more likely than the general population to develop alcohol problems.
What are the key signs of addiction?
Some of the key components of addiction would include compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, uncontrollable cravings, and continuing to drink or use despite adverse consequences.
How does someone reach the point where they are ready to go into a recovery program?
A person doesn’t necessarily need to reach rock bottom. And it’s actually better to get help before reaching rock bottom, because the earlier a person seeks treatment, the better the outcome. A negative consequence (such as job loss, a health problem, or a legal problem) can be motivating reasons for people to decide to enter treatment programs.
What can friends or family do to help a person recognize an addiction and help in their recovery?
It can be a huge challenge to help a person recognize they have a problem, because the hallmark of addiction is denial. Telling the addicted person that you are worried and giving specific examples of the ways drinking or using have caused problems can be effective. Seeking support from a group such as Al-Anon can also be helpful.
Do addicted individuals recover and go on with their lives?
Like other chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure), there are varying degrees of success. Some people remain sober; other have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse; and still others continue to drink or use illicit drugs. But I think the important thing to remember is that treatment is effective and whatever we can do to help de-stigmatize the negative image of substance abusers will help get more people the treatment they need. |
