WHAT IS aDDICTION?
‘Our son was like a stranger to us – addiction drove him to behave in ways we never expected. But we never gave up and now he’s loving and caring again. Thanks ASV, we’ve got our boy back.’
Addiction is ‘a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite negative harmful consequences’.
NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse).
These consequences can include problems with physical health, psychological health, and social stability; work; family; finances; legal issues and the breach of the person’s belief and value systems.
‘I knew my life was spiralling out of control, I lost my job and I kept missing really important events like my mum’s birthday party, but it didn’t matter what people said or thought about me, whether I felt ashamed or sad or even happy, I kept using drugs. I remember when my family offered me an ultimatum, them or the drugs. I chose the drugs, with relief.’
Addiction is like heart disease or diabetes—sometimes it’s linked with lifestyle choices, sometimes its part of a family’s genetic heritage and other times it seems to come from nowhere.
And just like diabetes, correct management and monitoring over a person’s lifetime are important.
Addiction involves having obsessive thoughts, experiencing compulsive behaviours and losing control.
‘Addiction almost destroyed my life, my hope and the trust of my family. My experience of recovery has been recovering my life, my relationships, my esteem and overall wellness apiece at a time. Its hard work, but the rewards are amazing.’
Untreated addiction can be lethal. For example, a person can die from an overdose or a drug-related motorcar accident. Addiction can also cause serious medical problems such as acquired brain damage, liver disease and heart problems.
People can lose their jobs, leave school prematurely and disconnect from their dreams and hopes.
The most obvious impact is on a person’s relationships including the ones with their families and close friends.
Anyone can develop an addiction
This confuses people. They and their families can spend a lot of time going over things trying to find causes. Sometimes addiction can be linked with depression, anxiety or trauma; sometimes it’s the very cause of these conditions and sometimes there is no apparent tipping point or event.
Whatever the causes and the losses, people recover from addiction all the time.
The World Health Organisation has created an alcohol and/or other drug self-screen designed to raise awareness of potential harmful use of mind and mood-altering substances, including cannabis, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine ice, GHB, prescription medications and alcohol.
People do recover
‘Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential’
SAMHSA (Substance and Mental Health Society America).
Most people need help to change their lives.
Research suggests that people require effective drug and alcohol treatment programs combined with ongoing recovery support as they navigate their way through the recovery process, stabilising their physical, emotional and mental health, and transitioning back into satisfying and meaningful lives.
Whilst families do their best, they are often too close to the person to be able to see what they need and may also be recovering from their own grief and loss issues.
Addiction Solutions Victoria understands addiction and recovery and tailors their support and interventions to suit each person and every family.
‘Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending’.
Carl Bard (Author)
Call ASV for a free phone consultation
