The
SoberRecovery Glossary of Recovery Terms
Addiction
Addiction
is the compulsive need for habit-forming substances like tobacco,
drugs or alcohol. Addiction is both physical (physiological) and
mental (psychological). An individual suffering from an addiction,
also known as an addict, is driven by both physical and mental
needs to continue using the addictive substance, regardless of
the consequences.
It’s
impossible to tell in advance if someone will become addicted
to a particular substance or not. While statistics show that,
for example, children of alcoholics are more like to become addicted
to alcohol, not all of them end up with a drinking problem. Some
drugs, however, are apparently more immediately addictive than
others. Crack addicts often say they became addicted after the
first or second use. Given these uncertainties, the only way one
can be sure they won’t become addicted is to never even
try the substance.
The
only solution for the addict is to quit using the substance entirely.
This is most often successfully accomplished through some sort
of treatment program. Treatment programs range from self-help
groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine
Anonymous, and other 12 Step Groups, through formal programs using
medical detox and requiring a stay in a treatment center. Most
treatment centers draw on the 12 Steps as part of their treatment.
The result of successful treatment is the ability to totally abstain
from the drug(s) of choice and live a comfortable, productive
life.
The
addict who continues to use often ends up locked up in either
prison or mental hospitals, or dead. Addiction is considered a
terminal disease unless the addiction is interrupted through successful
abstaining from the drug(s) of choice.
Related
links: Alcoholism
and Addiction |
