Angels of Addiction

Addiction Is A Disease – Not A Matter Of Will
From an article by The Partnership For A Drug-Free America

Most scientists now consider addiction a brain disease: a condition caused by persistent changes to
the brain structure and function. Using drugs repeatedly over time changes brain structure and
function in fundamental and long lasting ways that can persist long after the individual stops using
them. After a certain amount of a drug is consumed – and that amount is different for everyone – it is
as if a switch in the brain is flipped from normal to addict. For some the compulsion for drugs or
alcohol is the equivalent to the need for taking a breath of air. Learn more about addiction.

There is another way. Addiction is treatable.
You or your loved one can get well. There have been people who have been in your shoes and who
are now in recovery.

An estimated 3.3 million people aged 12 or older (1.4 percent of the population) received treatment
for a problem related to alcohol or illicit drugs in year prior to a 2003 interview: 1.3 million for both
alcohol and illicit drugs, 1.1 million received treatment for alcohol and 0.5 million for illicit drugs.

People with substance abuse problems can get better.
There is hope. Many people recover. With sufficient help and personal commitment, virtually anyone
can recover. You can have an impact by supporting them and letting them know your concerns.
Treatment can work – outcomes of treatment interventions for addiction are the same or better than
those for hypertension, asthma and diabetes. There is risk (cost) to ignoring the problem. Treatment
is worth the investment.

In addition to addiction, some people also have mental health problems to overcome. In these cases
it is critical to treat both problems. This, too, is possible and many people do get better.

There are many types of treatment.1.9 million people attended a self help group as part of their
treatment. But that is not the only way. There is a range of options for getting help:

Don’t delay. Addiction is a progressive illness. Act now.
Don’t wait until something really bad happens. People don’t have to hit bottom to be able to end their
abuse of drugs or alcohol (a common misconception). It’s easier and less costly to treat abuse before
it becomes addiction. If you feel there is a problem, it’s better to intervene early.

Addiction is a serious health problem. If untreated it can progress and even be fatal. Many people
have lost loved ones to addiction.

The stakes are high. You must not wait. Act now. For yourself or for the person you’re concerned
about. The chance of survival is greatly improved when you address the illness and act early.

How to tell if there's a problem?
Educating yourself about alcohol and drug problems is an important first step. An easy way to begin
is to learn about the stages of substance use and abuse. Then get a quick online assessment for
yourself or the person you’re concerned about.

Don’t give up.
There is always hope that help may be received.

Just say “Maybe.”
If you or the person you’re concerned about can say “Maybe” – maybe there is a different way,
maybe I can change, maybe this can work – then you’ve already taken a major step.

Get the help you need.
You might not know who to turn to, but there are many places and people around you who are
interested and want to help – even if you want anonymous advice. Addressing the problem by
yourself is more stressful and more difficult than getting assistance.

You can’t get better alone – you need a support network. You deserve it. It may be hard to believe
but there are people out there, people you may not even know, who are rooting for you. They may
be disappointed in you but deep down they care and haven’t given up on you. You need to access
these people to help you recover. Tell them that you need their help in reclaiming your life. People
with substance abuse problems can get better.

If you are concerned about a loved one, be sure to take care of yourself.
You need to take care of yourself. Family members living with drinkers/drug users often neglect their
own care because they become preoccupied with caring for the other person. It may be hard when
you’re dealing with a person who can’t take care of themselves, but if you are not healthy and safe
then there is little chance you can be strong and effective at helping others. Alcoholism and drug
addiction change family relationships and routines, often in a profound way.

Don’t blame yourself. You can’t help the other person without helping yourself first. Look into Al-
Anon, a free service for friends and family members of alcoholics. You’re going to need the help and
support, stamina and neutrality to persist in helping your loved one. Most people in your situation
find the communication with others in a similar situation to be very beneficial.

Find out more about getting help for your problem and helping others with a problem.

You have come to the right place.
Working with top experts in the field of addiction, intervention and treatment, the Partnership has put
together a comprehensive website to educate and motivate you. www.intervenenow.org contains a
wealth of information -- in addition to the help and support you need for yourself or for your loved
one. The first step is to learn the facts.