Recovery Demystified

The things most people become addicted to are:


Stimulants ~ cocaine, methamphetamine, caffeine, and nicotine
Depressants ~ opiates, sedative-hypnotics, alcohol
Psychedelics~ marijuana, LSD
Inhalants
Steroids
Prescription Medications
Compulsive behaviors.

According to Psychology today (2013) " Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, etc.) or engages in an activity (gambling, etc.) that can be pleasurable but the continued use of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work or relationships, or health. Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others."

There are detox programs, acute care programs (such as psychiatric chemical dependency units), and rehab facilities for those struggling with addiction to almost anything, usually with the exception of stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine (possibly because these are seen as more socially acceptable.)

Although, studies show that the most frequently used and abused psychoactive substance in the world is caffeine, and according to Canadian dietician George Malkmus, "80 percent of North Americans consume it on a daily basis" (2010). Moreover, according to the CDC (2013) "Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol."

Speaking personally, as an ex smoker and someone who has struggled to decrease caffeine consumption, it floors me that there are not detox programs for these two substances.

Another substance that I'd like to touch on is Alcohol. Alcohol dependence and withdrawal are both insidious and quite dangerous, and can be fatal.  Yet alcohol is legal.  Having worked in a treatment center, the amount of havoc I've seen caused by alcohol addiction had been shockingly astounding.

Depressants, psychedelics, inhalants, prescription medications, and steroids are also addictive substances which often require intervention, and possible rehab treatment programs.

The point at which a person enters an inpatient rehab, medical detox, or outpatient program is often when they hit something called "rock bottom", or, if they are among the lucky ones - if an intervention is done.

Often rehab programs are based on something called "The Twelve Steps".  A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles (accepted by members as 'spiritual principles,' based on the approved literature) outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. Originally proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous as a method of recovery from Alcoholism, it is now used widely for addictions, compulsions, and behavioral problems across the board.

Although twelve step programs are the most widely used form of treatment, there are some programs that are more holistic. For example, Passages Malibu states "Unlike other rehab centers, we don’t believe that addiction is a disease. Our research shows that people become dependent on drugs and alcohol because of one of these four causes:
1. A chemical imbalance
2. Events of the past you have not reconciled
3. Current conditions you can’t cope with
4. Things you believe that aren’t true" (Passages Malibu, 2014.)

The most important thing about addiction, I do believe, is to find what works for the person who is addicted, so they can live a full, happy, and healthy life.

In my next blog I'll talk about compulsive behaviors and addiction. How are compulsive behaviors similar to addictive substances? How are they different?