We all know drug and alcohol addiction occurs. We also know some people can use and not get addicted. We all know that they are both injurious to our health. Then why is it that the addiction to drugs and alcohol is increasing everyday? Why do people still destroy their lives and family? Is drug and alcohol addiction a matter of will power, choice or is it a disease?

Let's take a look at these questions more closely.

First it's important to understand the cycle of addiction. When a person takes things like alcohol or drugs, these substances alter the chemical composition of the brain. Alcohol and drugs causes the brain to release endorphins, the pleasure causing agents. Therefore, the user can drop their inhibitions and achieve the 'high'. The process of addiction is a sine wave phenomenon with sharp peaks and troughs. Once the "high" wears off, the person starts to feel low and depressed. The phenomena of craving occurs because of the body's physical demands. The focus is on just a single thing, the next high or rush. He spends all his energy in getting the drug or the alcohol and nothing else matters.

In other words addiction is not a behavior issue, In fact it is a disease. Oncethe person is addicted, refusal skills or willpower weakens, and use becomes almost a conditioned reflex.

Who are at risk for addiction? Almost everyone is at a risk; however some people are at a greater risk of addiction than the others. A lot of factors come into play as far as addiction is concerned:

1. Genetics: If there is a family history of addiction to drugs or alcohol, the liklihood of offspring getting addicted is much higher.

2. Low self-esteem: low self esteem or depression tendency may also lead to addiction. There is a simple reason for this. People who have low self confidence or low self-esteem may be searching for easy ways to feel good. Drugs/alcohol gives them that high, which makes them feel that they are better than anyone else.

3. Emotional factors: There is a high risk for addiction for people who have not had their needs for love met, or known unconditional love. Such children want to be needed and loved, which they do not find at home and hence seek in peers. Most of the times, just to please their friends, they get into drugs or alcohol and oft time develops an addiction.

Addiction is a disease that ruins a capable and intelligent human being. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction need treatment, just like all other diseases. The catch in this situation is that the patient is unaware of his problem and may even deny it. Hence it's important to treat the patient with love and understanding. With the right treatment addiction to drugs and alcohol can be cured and the persons' life put back in order.


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Pick up your Free 101 page Addiction Recovery Help Guide just for visiting our site. Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading treatment center, teaching healthy recovery skills. Visit: http://AddictionRecoveryBasics.com