An individual is not automatically classified as an addict merely because they use drugs and alcohol excessively or because their lives are negatively impacted by them. These are simply the expected signs of the disease's progression. It could be easier to understand that some people may be afflicted with a sickness that will ultimately destroy their lives if we had a new definition for addiction.
How do we really feel about the idea that addiction is a disease? We have all heard this. Do you picture a junkie, crack addict, prostitute, or a destitute person begging for money on the corner when you hear the word "addict"? Do you picture a lowlife with poor morals and undesirable activities when you hear the word addict? Do you think that they could "simply say no" and that their situation in life is somehow their fault?
According to the stereotypical description, a successful CEO, attorney, doctor, or other professional with a substance addiction issue would not be classified as an addict. Perhaps this is one of the reasons a professional drug user, including one who abuses alcohol, does not quickly recognize his addiction and seek help. Success in other areas often leads a professional to believe that he can handle this issue as well, especially when he contrasts himself with addicts who have reached their lowest point and haven't checked into a drug rehab. His denial mechanism will still be largely intact if the addicted professional is still somewhat functional and has not yet lost his career, home, or family.
It could be easier to understand that some people may be afflicted with a sickness that will ultimately destroy their lives if we had a new definition for addiction. The American Medical Association states that one of the following conditions must be met in order for an ailment to be labeled as a disease: Either progressive, predictable, or terminal behavior is required. Addiction satisfies not just one, but all three requirements, making it a disease. An individual is not automatically classified as an addict merely because they use drugs and alcohol excessively or because their lives are negatively impacted by them. These are simply the expected signs of the disease's progression.
Everyone is aware that there are blood and urine tests available to identify the presence of drugs or alcohol in the body. Few of us are aware that there is now a test that can tell if someone has the genetic predisposition for addiction. The genetic makeup of alcoholics and addicts contains a "Y" component. How the body absorbs and breaks down alcohol or other drugs depends on one's genetic make-up. The "Y" factor separates drug abusers from addicts.
A person who is born with the Y factor, or DNA coding, for addiction is comparable to someone who is predisposed to developing cancer, diabetes, or lupus. Similar to cancer, certain favorable conditions must exist for diseases to manifest and spread. Once addictive compounds are ingested by those who carry the addictive gene, the condition becomes active. It makes no difference whether the addictive medications are obtained legally or illegally.
This genetic inclination rule has certain exceptions. The gene for addiction will almost certainly run in families, although occasionally it may miss a generation. Nevertheless, some people who lack the genetic predisposition for addiction will also develop addictions. Why? Drugs like crack cocaine have been genetically modified in labs to deliberately breach this boundary and instantly become addictive. Do you know anyone who smokes crack cocaine in public? Someone who utilizes this substance hits bottom significantly more quickly.
Drugs alter the receptor sites in the brain. When drugs are used frequently enough, they can permanently change how the brain absorbs nutrients. In the brain, our receptor sites function like loading docks, continuously delivering and receiving messages. Chemicals that are moved by electrical surges are used to transmit these messages. Drugs change the pattern of energy pulses in the brain in addition to the chemical balance in the brain. The permanent alteration of cell walls, which other cells dock upon like a key does for a lock, is the most harmful consequence of drug use. The key won't fit if the lock is modified.
Wouldn't you take all possible precautions to prevent a sickness from manifesting before the necessity for a drug rehab program if you were aware that you carry the genetic predisposition for it? Would you not seek pharmacological therapy if you knew your sickness was actively worsening? How can you assist someone who isn't yet aware that they require assistance? Long before the drug user is aware of the impacts, family, friends, and coworkers can observe them.
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