ADDICTION a DISEASE???????

[LindyTara]

Hey,  I would like to have peoples views on addiction being a disease.  I have had this DRILLED into my head so much, I am beginning to believe that it is a self fulfilling prophecy.  I do not want to live in a world where I am forced to view myself as sick.  Is it possible that back in the day, when addiction was marked a disease that they didn't know what to call it?  How we were all just classified as sick people so there was an excuse for our behavior.  So really we are all walking around making a terrible excuse? I'm starting to this I am an alcoholic/addict is just an excuse.  We are sick people trying to be well.  If we keep telling ourselves that, then wouldn't it come to be?  I think EVERYONE can benefit from the 12 steps but this telling myself every day that I have a disease and am sick is for the birds in my eyes. These are the questions I am asking myself lately. I find it hard to believe that it is so cut and dry. What are your views/thoughts?

[vicki595]

Addiction is classified as a disease. It fits the definition because it's progressive and can end in death if untreated. As far as being sick, well, a person IS sick when in the throes of addiction. But, like other diseases, if treated it can go into remission.  

We've known for a long time now that addiction is not a moral failing but a chemical disease. Treating addiction requires much more than abstinence and willpower...but that's a whole other subject...

Once in treatment and sober, I don't consider myself as being sick at all. You shouldn't either.  And...it really shouldn't be drilled into your head everyday. That's not necessary...unless you're still using.    All the best!

[luvdolphins58]

Recently I was reading about adult ADD and addiction to opiates. Very interesting to learn more about the complex brain. What do you guys think?

[msdelight]

I think addiction is a symptom that results from a disease of body, mind and/or spirit. In most cases it is secondary to the underlying problem. It starts out as the cure, but can quickly become the problem. Your brain switches just like Vic said above, and then there is no turning back. It is definitely a compulsion, but a disease? Not sure about that. However,  it is an epidemic.

[Merri123]

I honestly never have thought it was.  I definitely think it is something psychological and some people are more predisposed than others. Maybe it is Bc I am not one that is. I have never considered myself addicted. I didn't abuse it. But I was dependent physically and that is why I tapered.  So I'm probably not the best source of opinion.

[VICourageous]

Good one!
That "Pleasure Unwoven" is a great one to see. I seen it over 2 yrs ago and he made one more. There are tons of scientific research out here these days.
I have tons of info and have talked to MANY different types of DRS about this.
I have even put just a few pieces of info in my journal a long time ago.

Now days the DRS/Scientist consider addiction a brain disease; a condition caused by persistent changes to brain structures 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.  Very few can return to use after this.
But, as we know, not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted. Estimates are that 50 to 70 percent of these difference in susceptibility to addiction are Genetic..Still the genes are not doom one to become an addict.
WHAT UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION MEANS.
Many people think drug addiction is a failure of will. Research contradicts this. However, this does not mean the addict is a hapless victim, nor does it absolve the addict of responsibility for his or hers Behavior. But it does explain why a addict cannot stop using by sheer force of will alone.

I also have read lots about the Dopamine which they call the D2 cell that we get from our family some where down the line. My understanding is that we are born with low dopamine which make it easy for us to become addict more then some other. They are now coming up with ideas to swap a person to see if they have this gene before they medicate.

The only reason why I do believe some of this (and this is just me) is because I got clean at 56 and now I am 58. I have used since I was 14 this or that. In my first yr of getting clean I could feel real feeling and some emotions I never felt. Now at almost 2 and a half yrs I went through another real emotional Real Strange brain thing that I can not even explain. I was told many moons ago by a Brain Dr that it would take me two yrs for all my wiring to balance back. I was told that at my two yr that was what I was experiencing and now things are getting way better. NOW NOT ALL OF US ARE THE SAME!!!  I get lots of PMS from others asking after a yr if I felt this too and yes I did.
I go to many meetings and it seems to me that they do not talk about any of this in a Scientific way.  This is OK for me as alot know, but they just know that the 12 steps and having a sponsor is what saves them "one day at a time"
Bless U and I hope this helped a bit. There are TONS of info out here.
Vickie

[dominosarah]

Disease or not, all i know is just for today i am an addict in recovery~