February 9, 2008, my friend Stef went to sleep, fresh out of rehab for the third time and February 10, she did not wake up. She died at age 26 of liver failure, leaving behind two devastated young sons who will never know what an amazing woman their mother was. Stef was my friend. Stef was an alcoholic. In the end, it was the disease that won.
My parents, too, are alcoholics. Sober now for several years, they don't remember those years when they were not. I do. It probably sounds funny if you know me from my blog, Mommy Wants Vodka, or perhaps it doesn't. Not to those of you who have been where I have. That which does not kill us we have to laugh about, or we cry until we have nothing left. I choose laughter every time.
I hate addiction. I do not hate addicts, mind you. I hate the disease. Those of us who have faced it, who have lived it, we all hate this disease. Addiction is a cruel mistress. Recovery is possible. There is hope.
I wish I had been able to show Stef the hope. If you are reading this because you need to, please, know there is always hope.
This site is dedicated to you, Steffie. When we meet again, and I know we will, I can’t wait to tell you all the things I never told you when I should have. For knowing you, I am better.
May your shine always be warm, like Stef; like the evening sun.
Addiction - being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs).
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in the individual pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by impairment in behavioral control, craving, inability to consistently abstain, and diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships.
Like other chronic diseases, addiction involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.
Historically, addiction has been defined only in regard to substances that cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested and temporarily alter the chemical makeup of the brain. A first draft in the DSM-V has suggested a new category of mental disorders called the "Behavioral Addictions" and would start with gambling as an actual stand-alone diagnosis. It may grow to include behavior that creates a psychological dependency, such as sex, pornography, video games, work, Internet, exercise, and watching television, but for now, it's proposed that any of the other "Behavioral Addictions" would be diagnosed as a Behavioral Addiction: Not Otherwise Specified.
What Are Some Of The Consequences Of Addiction?
Every year, over 100,000 US citizens die from the abuse of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Babies who are exposed prenatally to certain legal and illegal drugs may be born prematurely. Maternal drug use and abuse can lead to developmental and behavioral problems later in life, too.
Teens who abuse drugs have behavioral problems, scholastic problems and may even drop out of school. These teens are at risk for violence, infectious diseases, and unplanned pregancies.
Parents who abuse drugs often head chaotic and stress-filled homes. Their families may suffer from child abuse and neglect.
Adults who abuse chemicals have problems thinking clearly, remembering, and paying attention. As a result of their drug abuse, they may have poor work performance and chaotic interpersonal relationships.
In addition, those who abuse drugs and alcohol may have long-term medical consequences of their drug use, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, along with many mental illnesses.
Substance Abuse Versus Dependence:
Substance abuse is substance use that causes harmful consequences. Clinically, it's diagnosed over twelve months, if one or more of the following happens:
- Failure to meet obligations
- Engaging in reckless activities (driving drunk, etc)
- Legal issues (getting arrested, failing to pay bills, etc)
- Continued use despite personal problems
Substance Dependence is more severe. Clinically, it's defined as three or more behavioral patterns plus two or more physical issues over twelve months.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person is dependent upon a substance if their pattern of use causes significant impairment and/or distress by three or more of these in a 12-month period:
- Tolerance: an increased need for the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a diminished effect with the same amount of substance.
- Withdrawal: symptoms of withdrawal of the substance, or the same/closely related substance is taken to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Substance taken in larger amounts or over longer periods than was intended.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to control substance use.
- Preoccupation with obtaining substance.
- Important social, work, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
- Substance use continues despite knowledge that substance is causing physical or psychological harm.
Substances Of Abuse:
Alcohol - drinking alcohol to excess can cause damage to the body and the brain - especially the cerebral cortex (responsible for higher-brain functions like decision-making and problem-solving), the cerebellum (responsible for coordination of movement), and the hippocampus (controls memory and learning).
Amphetamines (including methamphetamine) - powerful stimulants that produce symptoms of euphoria and alertness. Methamphetamines are particularly damaging to the brain. These can cause serious heart problems as well as seizures.
Ecstasy (MDMA) - causes stimulant and mind-altering effects and may be toxic to nerve cells. It can increase body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and stress to the heart's wall.
Heroin (including Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percodan)- powerful opiate that produces euphoria and relaxation. It can slow breathing and is linked to serious infectious diseases when used intravenously.
Inhalants - volatile substances found in household products that induce mild-altering effects. Inhalants are extremely toxic to the human body and can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, lungs and brain. Even the healthiest person can suffer heart failure and die within minutes of huffing a stimulant.
LSD - one of the most powerful hallucinogenic drugs, causing the user to see colors, images, and sounds that do not exist. The effects of LSD are unpredictable and may cause traumatic feelings and emotions that last many hours. Short-term effects include increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, sleeplessness, tremors, and loss of appetite.
Marijuana - causes short-term memory and learning loss, impacts the ability to focus and coordination. Physically, it increases heart rate, can harm lungs, and may increase the onset of psychosis in those who have a predisposition to that condition.
Nicotine - an addictive stimulant found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Smoke from tobacco increases risks for cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other bronchial diseases. Tobacco use is responsible for the deaths of 5 million people a year worldwide.
Prescription Medications - increasingly used and abused for non-medical purposes. This can be addictive and lethal. Commonly abused prescription medications include painkillers, sedatives and stimulants.
Steroids - may be prescribed for certain medical conditions to increase muscle mass. Serious consequences of steroid abuse include acne, heart disease, liver problems, depression, suicide and infectious diseases (if taken intravenously).
Treatment For Addiction:
Addiction is a treatable disease. Discoveries in the science of addiction have led to major advancements in the treatment of addiction, allowing those who abuse drugs and alcohol to lead normal, productive lives. Addiction is not a life sentence.
According to the National Institute on Drug Use, there is no one single effective treatment that will help every addict, every time. Treatment must be tailored for the individual and should address the whole person in order to be effective.
Research shows that combining treatment medications (if applicable) with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure treatment success. Treatment must be tailored to the individual's drug abuse patterns and drug-related medical, social, and psychiatric problems.
Behavioral therapies help to engage the addict in their treatment by modifying their attitudes about recovery and drug use while increasing their coping skills. Behavioral therapies can help to identify potential circumstantial and environmental triggers that may cause an addict to relapse. Therapy can also help enhance the effects of medications and help people to stay in treatment longer.
Recovering from addiction is a long-term process that may involve many courses of treatment, but beating an addiction can be done. Addiction is NOT a life sentence.
Related Resource Pages on Band Back Together:
Addiction Recovery:
The 12-step programs, the Anonymous Programs, cover almost every addiction:
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous
Al-Anon/Alateen- 12-step recovery program for the families of alcoholics as alcoholism is a family disease.
Adult Children of Alcoholics- an anonymous 12-step program for adult children who grew up in an alcoholic home.
Adult Children of Alcoholics, Janet G Woititz. This book provides wisdom and information for all adult children of dysfunctional families of alcoholics.
Addiction Resources:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse- Research, publications, and resources about alcohol, alcoholism for families, health care providers and the general public.
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Researches drug abuse, addiction and treatment from a scientific standpoint. Site has resources for medical professionals, teachers, parents and kids.
SOS Sobriety is a family support group for those who have loved ones dealing with addiction.
