Addiction Treatment Myths

In May of 2006 HBO, USA Today and The Gallup Poll asked US adults, who had an immediate family member with a drug or alcohol addiction whether they thought addiction was a disease.

Three-quarters of U.S. adults who have a family member suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction think that addiction is a disease.

Whether you agree or disagree alcoholism was first recognised as a disease as early as 1785, by Dr. Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence and physician of George Washington's Army.

In his widely dispersed essay on "the effects of ardent spirits," Rush clearly called intemperance a disease and, an addiction.

Addiction - Physical Or Psychological?

Who Understands Addiction?

Understanding addiction has never been an exact science, especially to those who are in the front line trying to help people in their recovery. It can be argued that addiction is a chronic relapsing illness. Many in the world, who don't understand this definition as applied to addiction, (and often the drug users themselves), think that perhaps addiction is just a matter of choice and making right decisions.

More Light and Less Heat Needed

Over recent years our understanding of addiction is gradually having some light shone upon it. The revelation is gradually unfolding a bit at a time. It's as if we weren't ready for it all in one go. Those who work with recovering addicts are often mystified at the high relapse rate especially when a person has completed, say, a 12 month programme and got a network of support around them. They just figure it's par for the course. If you want to work with addicts - get used to going to funerals!