General info on addiction.

[Nicaine]

Don't want to sound like I'm lecturing, but I'm an old timer with too much experience (& not enough motivation) and I want to share what I know.



Addiction = Ambivalence



Exact same thing, different words.



am•biv•a•lence(am biv‚ƒ lƒns) n.coexistence of conflicting thoughts or feelings.



Classic example:



(A) I want to quit this shit, bad.

(B) I want to use this stuff, bad.

(C) Both of the above are equally true for me.



That is addiction, not only in a nutshell but there is literally nothing more to it than the A-B-C above (despite all the societal hoo-haah).



Solve the ambivalence in some way and you are cured. There are ways to do this, you just have to look for them.



Stay ambivalent and you can and will go your whole life struggling and fighting with yourself. Forever, to no end, no matter 9000 meetings in 90 days.



Recovery is a different story (it happens after you solve the ambivalence). Just going to meetings is IMHO a very slow way. Attack it at the A-B-C level above and you're on the fast track.



That's it... I hope you the reader think about this for a moment (even if it sounds like a lecture) and copy/paste this post. Then think about it. Sorry if I sound like an ass, but here's my credentials: at least 4 inpatient treatments, read about 15 books on the subject, studied the topic on the Net for a few years, and attended AA/NA on and off since 1986.



Peace...

[Jingleballicks]

Yup, I agree. That's the thing. Something that will help me get off of coke is that the high is great... only for a short period of time. And is it worth a hole in your septum, missing teeth, skin and bones?


Nope, it ain't worth it. But lets see if I can put my money where my mouth is. I'm wired, and have been since about 9 o'clock last night, had to go to class, and it was horrible, couldn't blow my freaking nose for an HOUR! Can you imagine, it was so bad when I swallowed my nose would make a noise because of all the pressure. But you know what. Coke is an interesing high, first your HIGH HIGH, then your LOW LOW looking for another line, but it can't happend, you kinda go into a limbo.

[Unsolved]

Hi, guys. I did a search on this and didn't see anything recent on this topic. I talked to one of my old friends recently and was troubled to hear that one of my close friends I grew up with in now addicted to crack cocaine. I just shook my head this was a good guy from my childhood. This led me to look at myself, specifically with alcohol and look for addiction. Since this is the only thing I really do a lot compared to other drugs. Which are a once in a while thing for me, specifically e and adderal. I do drink quite a bit. How does one know if they are addicted to a substance? What did it for you people to decided it's time to go to rehab? Is drinking on days off from work okay during night? That's pretty much what I do or after work 2 nights a week.I just don't want to end up like my friend which has no car, job and lost his old home. Edited by: Unsolved

[Nahbus]

I say as long as you're keeping tight relationships with your friends
and family, go to work and be productive and happy, you can do whatever
you damn please. But the minute any of that changes (friends are
worried, you lost your job, etc) I think there needs to be some changes.

I think most people know, deep down, whether or not they are addicted or have a problem.

[Nadia Snow]

most people in rehab are admitted because they are court-mandated (in other words they got arrested and decided to do their time in rehab instead of a jail sentence)


you know you're addicted/dependent in some wayin the back of your mind but you compare yourself to your friend & question wheither you are a really an addict. i'll have to agree with NHasen most people know, deep down, wheither or not they are addicted or have a problem

[uqlfy]

There are many definitions of addiction. Im technically a
caffiene addict, I suffer withdrawals headaches irritability and crave
coffee. However society doesnt attach the same stigma to this addiction
the same as say nicotine addiction.

I personally feel that you are an addict when you stop caring
about what was important to you before started using. So much so that
all that matters is feeding the addiction more and more.

Alchohol dependence is not as dangerous in some respects because
you more than likely wont end up in jail for merely possessing it. And
unless you start miising work to drink you most likely wont have a
problem satisfying you r urge. Of course that is also the most
dangerous about it too.

All in all though if you have the sense to be concerned I doubt your situation will get out of hand.

By the way sorry about your friend. Two months ago I saw my first real GF. Shes a heroin junkie now.


Edited by: uqlfy

[oldman]

dude that sucks about your friend. I have to say of all the chemicals, that family (cocaine), seems to get very deep into lots of peoples heads. I went into rehab 13 years ago for it. never touched the stuff again don't wanna, it's a beast. I was completely sober 5 1/2 years before rejoining the force had habits very similar to yours that you described then I hads a couple of bad things happen in my life and used booze to deal with them. This is where most people make the mistake. I've been in rehab several times. 3 of the best in the country, whatever that means, done AA, NA, etc, not much help either unless you like torchering yourself about being sober. Read Rational Recovery by Trimpy, I'm not trying to plug this book or dude, but he has the mostideal way of looking at addiction, nothing like any of these 12 step movements, which is what 99% of all rehabs follow. The success statistics for treatment centers is moistly bogus as you'll read. If you got good insurance and you want a vacation, go for it, I didn't and now you coldn't pay me to get near one of those places. The only one who will ever know if you have a drinking problem is you. and if you don't, it's futile for anyone to convince you that you do.

[Wyldeflower]

You know you are addicted when you NEED it, not just want it.

[Apparatus]

I think addiction is when you need the drug just to feel normal.
I also think if drugs interfere with work or family/friends then maybe
you have a problem.

[oldman]

only one person has ecer said it in a way that is rational. Just because you use because you enjoy the pleasure using brings does not make you an addict. Your chemically dependent. The true definition of an addict is someone who no longer derives any enjoyment out of using but for some apparent reason cannot stop himself from continuing from using. This is the true definition. It is somewhat different than you hear it used loosley. Does it mean if you're chemically dependent that continued use will be of no consequence? NO. You may become addicted. You may ruin the rest of your life before you are addicted. Beleive it or not, (rehabs will deny this but true physicians won't) there are only a small portion (less than %10) of users who are true addicts by definition. The rest onlyreally enjoy using. The good news is that it becomes easier for people to deal with the fact they have a problem with having too much fun than the fact that they are "hopelessly addicted."I am not using that phrase literally. I just hate that cliche' made by people. If you hate using and cannot stop seek help (like a detox not a rehab) If you think you just use too much just try this, don't use! It seems hard but belive it or not millions of people do it all the time ON THEIR OWN! No rehab, treatments, AA, NA, CA,,etc. Look into RR, they just try to help you understand your addicted voice then get on with your normal life as a non user, not a person in recovery.

[uqlfy]

Oldman you made a very good point. I too have heard that same
statement from my own MD. 80% of people at some point in their life abuse</span>
a substance of some kind, be it crack or coffee. Only 10% or fewer ever
become addicts by definition. However I think that perhaps the
definition is a bit tight because many people have some serious issues
from just abuse as defined in that context.

[Wyldeflower]

When I was 21/22 yrs old I was addicted to valium. The first time
I ever took it I loved it. It made my world okay. You could
have hit me on the head with 2x4 and I would have just smiled at you, I
was OK, I had valium.



At first it was recreatrional. Then I was going through some
personal things and had a "real understanding Doctor" who would fill
precriptions by the bucketfull. Time went by and I was taking at
least 15 Vaiium 10s a day just to act normal. By that time i
wasn't taking them to get stoned. I was just taking them to be
"normal". Once I was all stressed out and took 50 at once and
slept for 2 days. When I awoke, I was surprised but not
disappointed that I had missed 2 days. Oh well. Just told the
boss I was sick, we all get viruses right? I didn't really care.



Anyway, life went on until my doctor went on an unnanounced
vacation. I ran out of valium!!! My hands were shaking, I
was all screwed up. I went to the nearest bar and downed 3 beers
and my hands stopped shaking. I was so impressed I kept drinking,
But then I had to admit I was addicted to valium and I knew I had
to stop. A 22 year old valium addict. I hated, but had to
admit I wasn't in control anymore.



Anyway i faced my demons, blah blah blah, but bottom line with the
valium thing I had to wean myself off them. When my Doctor got
back from vacation I got more. But instead of taking 15 a day I
took 12 a day, next week 10 and so on till eventually 1, then none,



I wish I could do the same thing for smoking and caffiene...

[uqlfy]

Originally Posted by Wyldeflower

But instead of taking 15 a day I
took 12 a day, next week 10 and so on till eventually 1, then none,



I wish I could do the same thing for smoking and caffiene...

You can. Those nicotine patches you must see when you go in to just
about any pharmacy do exactly that. Coffee is pretty easy to self
regulate as well.

[chico]

I would compare my lust for drinking/drugs as to someone that craves certain food like sweets. There are some people that love potato chips, brownies, ice cream, coca-cola, etc., and will do anything for it because it makes them feel good and relieves their craving. I'm the same way with drinking/drugs because I want to have it all the time but, because I am responsible and don't want to wind up with my life ruined and also overweight (because of drinking) I restrict it mostly to just the weekends when work/job will not be affected AND when I'm going into a social environment. I enjoy the effects of drinking/drugs andusually have a better time while on them. Does this mean I'm addicted? I don't think so.


When I'm in need of drinking/drugs everyday, whether or not I'm in a social gathering or not, at this point I'll be convinced I'm addicted or an addict. When I'm drinking a 12-pack all the time and sitting at home by myself...I'll know I have a problem.

[wildwestten]

There are alot of different signs to suggest that a person may have a
chemical dependency issue and depending on who you talk to they may
vary a great deal. like the person said before 12 steppers are going to
look at thing perhaps differently than a clinician and old school
12steppers are quite different from some of the more modern
programs. What I would look is

1. when you drink do you drink more than you had originally planned?
   
   
2. Does bad shit happen when you have been drinking?
3. Has anyone close to you suggested that your drinking could be excessive?
4. Have you experienced health problems related to alcohol use?
5. Have you drank to the point of nausea?
6. Have you ever had a drink to ease the discomfort of a previous night of drinking?
7. Have you ever experienced a blackout?
8. Have you ever hidden the fact that you had been drinking or the amount you drank?

These are just a few of the many signs that a more serious problem may be present.

Good luck, but remember once you get into recovery it really fucks up
your drinking and using so don't do it with out some serious thought
about what you will be giving up.

[Nicaine]

Originally Posted by Unsolved

Hi, guys. I did a search on this and didn't see anything recent on this topic. I talked to one of my old friends recently and was troubled to hear that one of my close friends I grew up with in now addicted to crack cocaine. I just shook my head this was a good guy from my childhood. This led me to look at myself, specifically with alcohol and look for addiction. Since this is the only thing I really do a lot compared to other drugs. Which are a once in a while thing for me, specifically e and adderal. I do drink quite a bit. How does one know if they are addicted to a substance?

I think it varies a lot between different substances. With crack, it's more of a mental addiction (except for a few days serious depression and longer term anhedonia, which can be easily cured with antidepressants). Part of the problem is most users have constant access to it, and it's almost impossible to resist if a person's been using it a lot. IMHO the best way to break a crack (& coke in general) addiction is to go somewhere you don't know anyone who can get it, & can't get it yourself. It's the type of substance a user tends to think about a lot if available, and relatively easy not to think about at all if it isn't.

Other substances have different patterns. I guess my answer is that it just depends, and every person has to decide for themselves. Nobody else can say you're addicted except you.

[cfb1]

I have what you'd call a "non-addictive" personality. Generally a "social-butterfly" who can adapt to new situations easily, without latching onto any one scene/experience etcetera.

I didn't used to be like this, and for that reason didn't try drugs. Until 1 1/2 years ago I decided not to take drugs because I was depressed, when that passed I started experimenting.

So far I've tried morphine, opium, heroin, narco-pharms, E, ghb, pot (of course), shrooms, ayahausca tea, coke, ketamine, speed, and pcp.

I never really had the physical urge to go repeat the symptoms? Even with H, it was more along the lines of: "wow, amazing" (injected once, snorted twice), but never expereinced the urge to pursue more. It was more "body-experimentation," seeing what different substance do to my body.

For a few weeks I would grind up E and shrooms and put them in time release capsules for all-day fun, but that passed and it got pretty boring.

I have friends though who get addicted to the oddest substances. Ketamine? DXM? Even a dependance upon pot. Those kinds of people shoot up once and are hooked. They aren't even the "depressed" type.

I haven't used a drug (even nicotine) in a month now and don't really have cravings (my connection got sent to rehab).

So my question is: why do some people get addicted, and some not? I think psychological state has something to do with it, but are some bodys wired differently?

When I did coke I had an urge: "get more," but I just...didn't. Because I could feel myself "becoming" addicted, I guess?

Anyways, thoughts, feelings?

What IS addiction, exactly?

[Richard_smoker]

The answer to your question concerns a topic that isn't totally understood, cfb1 (btw, how the hell do you pronounce that??? oh, nevermind)

In short, you sure do sound awful lucky! (so far) and it only makes me wonder... how old you are? (can you say?)

If I were you, I would go find a tree and knock on some wood until your knuckles bleed--i mean, you see what you just did to yourself, right? I mean, I can totally understand you just asking the question, even going out on a limb and claiming that you seem 'less' prone to addiction. But trust me. As a weirdo friend of my dad who went off to rehab many years ago says, "That whore in the bottle (be she booze or pills or whatever) will claim every one of us if we let her get too close... if we let our guard down. She's nothing but a whore in a bottle and she's got hepatitis C. If you get TOO close to her, she'll give you hepatitis and cirrhosis!" One example of letting someone's guard down is by making a statement like YOU just did.

One reason that I (personally) have taken on opiate addiction as my little 'problem child' and why I am so intrigued by possible opiate addiction interruption is because the sad fact is--once you get in too deep w/heroin, etc.--2 days? 5 days? 30 days??? whatever your 'breaking point' is--i.e. you can't tolerate the PHYSICAL withdrawals because they get worse each and every day that you put them off--then you are 100% OFFICIALLY ADDICTED AS THEY GET!

I know of absolutely NO other drug which carries this property. I mean, people take adderall, 4 times/day, every day, for 2 years, and then when they quit, they just get DROWSY! generally, this feeling of drowsiness does not bring with it the overwhelming darkness, sadness, "end of the world felling," wishing they were dead, just sleepy for a few days. They take Xanax 4 times a day, and just feel nervous for a few weeks later--maybe even have trouble sleeping.

Cocaine--well, cocaine (in my opinion) is mostly a bullshit addiction. It seems to be almost 100% psychological unless the drug is being UTILIZED to 'medicate' some type of personal issue. Even then, the withdrawal is not much more than an overblown version of psychological addiction--because coke is easy to become anchored or associated with a trigger. WHY? fuck you.

just kidding. i dont' know. it just is.

In terms of the answer to your question, the answer seems to be almost if not totally, genetic. Unless you were exposed to some SERIOUSLY fucked-up programming as a child--i.e. you were not made to be afraid of drugs themselves, just VERY AWARE and an early phobia may have been instilled to the idea of the addictive nature of drugs... or even still, you could have been raised in SUCH a great environment, that you score close to 100/100 (infinity)--the flat part of the bell curve--in self-respect and self-esteem.

But, most likely, you just happen to be one of those lucky-as-hell people who don't have any family histories of alcoholism, drug addiction, or obsessive-compulsive disorders, including co-dependency.

All you psychologists in the muthafuckin-hizzous, correct me if i'm wrong.

[bewilderment]

Addiction is a puzzle just like many psychological/physical traits in that it's not completely understood. Nature? Nurture? It's a complex variety of both. I believe this is a very good resource on the nature of addiction: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/

Also, Richard, I believe benzo withdrawal can actually cause seizure and death under certain circumstances so it's in no way an easy addiction to kick.

[cfb1]

Richard:

I've been thinking some more about your reply. No, there is very little if no family history of addiction or alcoholism. I have generally been made aware of drugs and their addictive potential, growing up in a fundamentally-Christian household, but having rejected that in favor of my own brand of mysticism and respectful-agnosticism, I've branched out into other areas of life.

Opiates are definitely odd. I remember two years ago I fractured two vertebrae and shattered a third in a skiing accident, ending up with most of my mid-torso muscles pulled from their anchoring (!) and being on morphine and vicodin and millions of other God-knows-what pills for months. This was before I had "tried" any drug beyond alcohol. I went through pretty severe withdrawals from that.

So my theory is, genetics and intent of use. From what I've seen of my and friends drug use, precursory research and precautions severely lessen the chance of addiction and habituation. Even with H, proper research, knowledge of it's incredible addictive potential, lessens the chance of addiction.

Haphazard use increases it exponentially. I don't think coke is a bullshit addiction. Especially if there isn't a short supply. I know that if I was haphazardly snorting lines from my computer desk (or club bathroom, or school urinal, or etcetera) I could develop a dependency pretty easily.

For example my addiction to nicotine is far stronger than ANY other drug. Why? Because my pack of Camel Wides sit here between my coffee cup and plate of rice I happen to be eating. Ease of use. If my access to cigarettes was as limited as my access to, say, H, I wouldn't have developed an addiction.

for the record, I'm 18, if that matters, I don't think it does.

[Richard_smoker]

That's not why cigs are so addictive, but I understand the logic.

That explains why all of us huff paint and gasoline... Gee... that reminds me;
I REALLY need to get out to walmart today 'cause i'm TOTALLY out of Ether!

If this were true about humans and cocaine, in general, then in countries in central america, where it is EASY to get GOOD cocaine, then most of the locals would be HOOKED FOREVER... however, as you probably know, the main customers are tourists... do you think it's because less of the locals TRY coke than americans? OF COURSE NOT! Shit, they've got the stuff flowing out of their ears for chrissake... just like you said w/the cigarettes. But most of them 'outgrow' it, or they've felt like shit so many times from trying it that they'd rather try something less painful... OR, they'll do it in moderation (believe it or not)--show me a cigarette smoker who smokes in moderation, and I'll bet you $1000 that s/he's 6 months away from being a full-time smoker.

You're walking a very fine line because it sounds like your H use is restricted because of its short supply. So what happens when you move to a place where it's EVERYWHERE and CHEAP AS HELL?? After all, the places where it is abundant are also notorious for being cheaper and more pure than other places.

Bewilderment, you're right about the benzo wd's. i wasn't thinking. i need to be careful the way i word things on here, but just take my word for it. people who get seizures are usually taking benzo's for a LONG time at HIGH doses. If not, then they have been filling in the gaps (times w/o benzo's) with alcohol--either/or will stave off seizures.

Oh, and yes. it DOES matter that you're 18 years old. It also matters that you were raised in a strict Christian household. It has been said that people who do NOT EVER drink have an alcohol problem (or fixation) just like someone who is an alcoholic has a problem. Just look what alcoholics do after rehab... they remain fixated on alcohol, except now it's NOT doing it that floats the boat.

I thought the exact same way as you do even when i was 25. Maybe I was just immature, but I don't think so. My advice is to just let this conversation fizzle out, unless you have legitimate questions. This is the kind of topic that will waste breath if argued extensively. why? because you're right. also, I'm right. That's why you asked the question! if you'd asked what color the sky was, everyone would say "BLUE." and you'd either agree or just go away mumbling to yourself. In this case, you need to search your heart... and don't be surprised if your 'heart' tells you to fuck off, that there's more important things to be doing, and that this is DUMB advice! WHY? Because THAT'S WHAT ADDICTION BLOSSOMS OUT OF!! Heed the words of others who have been through what you've done and more... most people, if given the opportunity to live a whole, complete lifetime (without dying prematurely)--i.e. 'they arrive at enlightenment'--would NOT repeat the mistakes of their youth. However, paradoxically, it is the actions of our youth--both good and bad decisions that eventually bring us to where we are, in regard to wisdom and often serve as a significant part of our 'keys' to discovering that state of understanding or enlightenment.

Human suffering is best understood through experience. I can tell you all about it, but it's impossible for you to really understand until you have experienced it.

[hh339]

SWIM finds this very good info. check the link at the bottom for sources and more interesting links.

"Addiction is defined variably as the continued use of a substance (or continued participation in a behavior), even when it is clear that the substance or behavior is causing the individual harm. Addiction and dependency are often interchangeable. People who's lives center around the acquisition and use of a substance are addicted. The development of "tolerance", or requirement of increasing amounts of a drug to obtain the same effect, is characteristic of an addictive substance. The development of adverse psychological or physical symptoms (shakes, pain, mental confusion, nausea, hallucinations, nervousness) when a substance is withheld or withdrawn from an individual who has been using, is another sign of addiction.

Addicts typically have a very strong denial system. Denial is the ability to believe that you don't have a problem when you do. This is characteristic of all addicts independent of their chosen substance (alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, cocaine, etc). Denial leads to lying (addicts are Oscar award winning liars) and secretive use (using drugs or alcohol when they are alone).

Addicts also have a strong tendency to blame other people, things, or the world at large for their problems. This ability to blame others provides them with a ready excuse to use their substance at any time. They frequently make statements like, "My _____(parent, teacher, coach, boss, friend) is always on my case", or "My______(parent, teacher, coach, boss, friend) doesn't understand me". If you as a parent, teacher, coach, boss or friend are hearing this type of statement often, be concerned about the potential of substance abuse. You may also see loss of interest in activities that were previously important to them, change in friends, withdrawal and poor academic performance.
Who are addicts?

It is comfortable for many people to think of drug abuse and addiction as a problem that affects people who are morally weak, come from abnormal social or family situations, or have criminal tendencies. They believe that drug abusers and addicts should be able to stop taking drugs if they are willing to change their behavior. The problem is that we do not have any test to determine who is likely to become addicted to a substance. There is some good research on the genetic and biologic factors for alcoholism. We also know that it is more likely for a child to become addicted if there is a family history of DOA addiction, or home exposure to DOA.

The neurobiology of addiction involves two types of interactions with the brain and neural pathways. The first involves a cellular target, or receptor. Almost all addictive drugs have an identified receptor site in the brain which responds to the drugs active ingredient. This is true for tobacco (nicotine), marijuana (THC), heroin (morphine, opiate), cocaine (direct effect). The second effect on the brain is through the reward pathway involving the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. The VTA is connected to both the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex via this pathway and it sends information to these structures via its neurons. Stimulation of the VTA causes a release of a chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine. This further stimulates the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. The end result is a pleasurable sensation or reward. Electrical stimulation of this area of the brain in rats causes them seek repeated electrical shocks to the brain in order to receive this "reward" sensation. Food, water, sex and nurturing cause natural stimulation of this part of the brain. Addictive drugs also cause a similar activation of the VTA, thus giving the user a reward. Addiction occurs when the user begins to seek this reward compulsively, and without regard for the negative effects and consequences the drug is having on their body, and on their life.

The stereotyping of those with drug-related problems effect not only the user, but their families, their communities, and the health care professionals who work with them. The truth is that no family, community, religious or ethnic group is immune from drug use, abuse and addiction. Drug abuse and addiction comprise a public health problem that affects many people and has wide-ranging social consequences.

Addiction does not happen when someone makes a conscious choice to use drugs. Addiction is not simply defined as "a lot of drug use." Addiction is a chronic relapsing illness characterized by both short term alterations in normal brain functioning creating feelings of pleasure or relief of discomfort, and by long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity creating drug craving and often painful drug withdrawal symptoms. For some this alteration in brain function occurs with in the first few uses of a drug, in others it may take months or years of use.
Treatment for Addiction

Addiction is not a single disease, but a multifactorial (many causes) condition. The treatment likewise must take a multifactorial approach. Not only does the medical needs of the individual need to be attended to, but the psychological state and the social situation may also require intensive therapy in order to achieve success.

Treatment can have a profound effect not only on drug abusers, but on society as a whole by significantly improving social and psychological functioning, decreasing related criminal activity and violence, and reducing the spread of AIDS. It can also dramatically reduce the costs to society of drug abuse. The number of drug arrests tripled in the 1980s, from 471,00 in 1980 to 1,247,00 in 1989. If the jail population continues to grow at the present rate, by the year 2053 the United States will have more people in jail than out.

Understanding drug abuse also helps in understanding how to prevent use in the first place. Results from NIDA-funded prevention research have shown that comprehensive prevention programs that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. It is necessary to keep sending the message that it is better to not start at all than to enter rehabilitation if addiction occurs.

Depending on the level of addiction and the social situation, drug rehabilitation often requires a residential program lasting weeks or months. In this setting the individual is separated from the influences, opportunities and stresses that may have influences and reinforced his or her drug use. Individual counseling with the involvement of family and the cooperation of school and/or work can also be successful. Specific drugs, such as methadone for heroin addicts, antabuse for alcohol, and Zyban for nicotine can greatly increase the chance of success. 12 Step programs patterned after AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) such as Alateen, Al-Anon, Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Sex Compulsives Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous, etc. offer a powerful support system for recovering addicts."


http://www.caresproject.org/docs/ed/drug/disc3.htm

Reputation Comments on this post:

	good info
	interesting facts about the biology behind addiction. thanks.

[quili]

it looks like im two months late on this conversation, but i thought it was interesting to read and i pretty much agree with everything. also, it was refreshing to hear that others feel the same way i do. dont have an "addictive personality," many of my friends apparently do. sometimes i think their addictions are bullshit and they should learn how to deal with lives on their own- as i can or have thus far- learn how to moderate and learn how to get over the difficult situations they put themselves in, educate themselvses (as mentioned in above posts) but i definitely agree with the family history thing. i have a few cases of alcoholism, but overall my family line is pretty sane, whereas some of my friends have suicides, or general trends towards bipolar, depression, etc. i suppose im conflicted on the issue. genetics certainly are playing a huge part, but that can't be used to lessen each individuals responsibility. i dont like the idea of sacrificing control like that- i like to believe the illusion that i do have pretty good control over myself. and even if i do get into sticky situations, i know when im getting there and hopefully will stop myself before it gets tooo terrible-

[KorSare]

Addiction is a very ambiguous word. People have their own independent, and sometimes shared definitions and guidelines towards it.

One i've heard, and it's stuck with me, is:

One of the telltale signs (among many) that you're becoming addicted to a substance, is when you have to actually convince yourself that it isn't a problem.

One more pill won't hurt.

One more line - I swear I'll save the rest.

Kudos to the individuals that can honor their substance-induced words. But the fact that you're seriously considering re-dosing on something, or re-using when you can distinctly remember the last time you used, and the "one more" you speak of is in regards to that previous experience.....well.... be careful.

Anyway, I don't know where I heard that advice. But it sounds wise, eh?

You could always take my personal advice, and just swear off addictive illegal drugs, and stick to coffee and halls fruit breezers. mmmmmmm.

[sibilsoman]

Can anybody explain to me how drug addiction changes the behaviour of people?