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By Elizabeth Gilley
An addict is not considered an addict just because he drinks
and drugs too much, nor because his life spirals downwards
because of drugs. These are just predictable symptoms of the
progressive disease. Perhaps if we had a new definition for
addiction, it would not be so difficult to accept that
individuals may be suffering from a disease that will
eventually destroy their lives.
We have all heard that addiction is a disease, but how do we
truly feel about this issue? When you hear the word "addict",
do you think of a junkie, crack addict, prostitute, or a
homeless person who begs for money on a street corner? When
you
here the word addict, do you think of a lowlife, who has
unacceptable behaviors, and lower morals? Do you somehow
believe that their life circumstance is their fault and that
they could, "just say no?"
A successful CEO, attorney, doctor, or professional with a
substance abuse problem, would not fall into the category of
addict according to the stereotypical definition. Perhaps,
this
is one of the reasons why a professional with a drug problem,
alcohol included, does not easily consider himself to be
addicted and readily seek addiction treatment . Success in
other venues tends to convince the professional that he can
also handle this problem as well, especially when he compares
himself to addicts who have bottomed out and not entered a
drug
rehab. If the addicted professional is still semi-functioning
and has not yet lost their job, house or family, his denial
system will still be relatively intact.
Perhaps if we had a new definition for addiction, it would not
be so difficult to accept that individuals may be suffering
from a disease that will eventually destroy their lives.
According to the American Medical Association, in order for a
illness to be classified as a disease, it must meet one of the
following criteria. It must be either progressive, predictable
or terminal. Addiction qualifies as a disease by meeting not
just one, but all three criteria. An addict is not considered
an addict just because he drinks and drugs too much, nor
because his life spirals downwards because of drugs. These are
just predictable symptoms of the progressive disease.
Everyone knows that there are blood and urine tests to
determine if drugs or alcohol are present in the body. Few of
us are aware that there is now a test which determines whether
someone has the DNA for the addiction. There is a “Y” factor
in
the genetic coding of alcoholics and addicts. This genetic
makeup determines how the body processes, and breaks down
alcohol or drugs in the system. This “Y” factor distinguishes
the addict from the drug abuser.
An addict born with the DNA coding, or Y factor, is similar to
the person who is born with the predisposition for cancer,
diabetes, or lupus. As with cancer, when certain favorable
conditions exist the diseases will activate and progress. For
those with the addictive gene, once addictive chemicals are
introduced into the body, the disease activates. It does not
matter whether the addictive drugs are prescribed by a doctor
or bought illegally.
There are exceptions to this genetic predisposition guideline.
While the children of addicts will almost certainly have the
addictive gene, in some instances, it may skip a generation.
However, some who do not have the genetic coding for
addiction,
will also become addicted. Why? Drugs like crack cocaine have
been designed in laboratories to intentionally cross over this
genetic line, and become instantly addictive. Have you ever
heard of a social crack cocaine smoker? This drug causes
someone to bottom out at a much faster pace.
Drugs change the brain’s receptors sites. Enough drug usage
can
permanently alter the brain, and its ability to absorb vital
nutrients. Our receptor sites are similar to loading docks in
the brain, sending and receiving messages continually. These
messages are sent through chemicals which are moved about
though electrical surges. Not only do drugs alter the chemical
balance in the brain, they eschew the pattern of energy
pulses.
But the most damaging effect of drug usage is permanent change
in the cell walls, upon which other cells dock, much like how
a
key fits into a lock. If the lock is changed then the key
won’t
fit.
If you knew that you have the genetic coding for a disease,
wouldn’t you do everything in your power to keep the disease
from activating before the need for a drug rehab program? If
you understood that your disease was actively progressing,
wouldn’t you seek drug treatment? How can you help someone who
does not yet realize that they need help? Family, friends, and
co-workers are in a position to see the effects of drugs, long
before the addicted has a clue.
About The Author: For more information on addiction and
resources that are available for treatment please visit or
call
800-559-9503 for a free professional consultation:
www.addictiontreatmentcenter.com
www.helpaddicts.com www.druginterventions.net
www.drugrehabprogram.net www.dual-diagnosis.net
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