Newly released, The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction by Gary W. Smith, Executive Director of the Narconon Arrowhead drug rehabilitation and education center, discusses why depression is the Second Barrier to Successful Recovery.
Depression is the source of a constant and significant amount of discomfort that prompts continued drug use.
The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction, authored by Gary W. Smith, sheds much needed light on the actual cause of addiction and its resolution. His ecades of experience in the field of chemical dependency and rehabilitation of the addict, coupled with outcome-based results provide a firm foundation for detailing the downward spiral of addiction—and its resolution.
Smith details the Three Barriers to Recovery which an addict must overcome in seeking to reclaim his or her life from addiction, and to maintain sobriety once attained.
The First Barrier to Recovery is identified as drug cravings, those strong and uncontrollable urges to use drugs or alcohol, and which drive the addict to use addictive substances once again. An attentive read through The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction will present the reader with a sound understanding of drug cravings, their source, and the challenge they present to the addict seeking recovery.
The Second Barrier to Successful Recovery which the addict must overcome is identified as depression. It is another factor which keeps the addict harnessed in his or her addiction; and is a source of constant and significant discomfort prompting continued drug or alcohol use.
The Second Barrier To Successful Recovery: Depression
Smith notes that current traditional medical and psychiatric-based drug treatment programs diagnose and treat depression the addict is experiencing, claiming it to be the fundamental source/cause of the individual’s drug or alcohol problem. He also notes that treating the depression with psychotropic (affecting the mind, mood, behavior) medications simply mask symptoms, and do not bring about a cure. In fact, in the presence of mind-altering drugs and worsening depression, the recovery process is made more difficult—if not impossible.
The author details that in most cases, the depression actually manifests itself after the individual becomes addicted—not before. Furthermore, the cause of the depression is linked to damage done by the drugs themselves.
Moreover, the addict is experiencing physical, mental and social factors at work in creating the lethargy (apathy, laziness; sluggishness) and depression experienced by addicts.
Smith notes that on a physical level, the majority of addicts are in a poor or declining state of health. While high, the addict is in a euphoric and pain-free state of mind, numb to the damage being caused by their alcohol or drug use. Becoming sober, their minor aches and pains are intensified, and they have no energy. Severe nutritional deficiencies resulting from long-term alcohol and drug use leave the addict physically spent.
On a social level, the addict’s quality of life has declined to a low level. Due to the fact the addict is so obsessed with finding and using drugs or alcohol so he can function, he cannot focus on anything else. As a result, marriages break-up, children are neglected, jobs are lost and businesses are destroyed.
On a mental level, the addict has difficulty finding happiness or joy in anything while not under the influence of their drug or alcohol. At some point, the addict will surrender to the idea that he or she must be high in order to experience any emotions, to celebrate an accomplishment, to solve problems, to escape sadness, to have meaningful relationships, and to work or play.
He or she is numb to the fact that the quality of his or her life and relationships with other people are on a downward spiral.
Why Depression Occurs in the Addict
The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction details why it is that the addict experiences depression. To obtain a thorough understanding, a person needs to read the full data presented in the publication. It is a must read in its entirety.
In summation, Smith notes that depression is in fact an appropriate emotional response, considering the misery with which the addict is faced. He also points out that psychotropic drugs do not help a recovering addict to restore their relationships with others, rebuild his or her health, or to build a sane and drug-free life.
It is a must read for anyone seeking to understand addiction and what can be done about it.
To obtain a copy of The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction, please visit www.stopaddiction.com.
