The field of chemical dependency and rehabilitation of the addict is awash with theories and philosophies seeking to explain the source of addiction and its resolution. Different schools of thought propose different approaches to and methods of treating the addict in an attempt to get and keep the addicted person off his or her drug of choice. Yet no matter the theories, the bottom-line remains its workability and success in application.
Is Addiction a Disease
Narconon Arrowhead, the Oklahoma-based residential drug rehabilitation center delivering the drug-free Narconon program, recently released the publication, The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction. Written by Executive Director of the center, Gary W. Smith, the publication sheds much needed light on the subject of addiction—what is its cause and what is its resolution.
Smith draws upon his decades of experience in the field of chemical dependency, drug rehabilitation and education, and his executive level management and writing skills to present the reader with an easy-to-understand body of data which brings about a new understanding of addiction, and thus how to resolve it.
A new look for those who have been subjected to the theory that addiction is a disease, embracing the notion that he or she is suffering from an inherited disease, and is chronically ill at a genetic level, the data presented in The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction will provide a logical and workable premise as to the actual cause of addiction and what can be done about it; giving a sense of renewed hope that a person can actually reclaim his or her life from addiction.
What is Addiction, Really
Smith clearly outlines the cause and life cycle of addiction in the Narconon Arrowhead booklet, as well as the three barriers to recovery, which the addict faces when seeking to overcome addiction and achieve and maintain his or her sobriety.
While the data is covered in depth in the publication, a brief overview of the life cycle of addiction is included here to provide the reader with the basic yet very valuable information.
How it Begins
- The life cycle of addiction begins with a problem—some form of emotional or physical pain or discomfort.
- The person, although basically good as most people are, is encountering a problem for which he or she has no solution. The problem which is the source of the emotional or physical pain could be something such as an actual injury, a chronic physical condition, losses in life, or just not fitting in as a teenager.
- Whatever the origin, the person is presented with a real problem; once which the person perceives as major and persistent, and without solution.
It is for these reasons that a person begins to use alcohol or drugs that are potentially addictive. The life cycle of addiction remains the same, regardless of age or race or socio-economic levels.
How it Continues
Once the person feels the relief experienced by taking the drug or alcohol—even though the relief is temporary temporary—he or she places value on the relief, and adopts the drug or alcohol as a solution to the problem.
The value the person assigns to the drugs or alcohol is the only reason he or she will use drugs or drink alcohol a second, third or more times.
There are two additional factors which exert influence on the person as to whether he or she will become an addict—or not. One is significant peer pressure. The other is the relief value experienced from the drugs or alcohol when the person felt bad in some way prior to using—and felt better after using.
In its simplest terms, the bigger the problem experienced—the greater the discomfort experienced. The greater the discomfort—the greater the importance the individual will place on relieving it. And the greater value he or she will assign to the thing which brings about relief.
The person is now caught in the downward spiral of addiction which will ultimately offer only three outcomes—sobriety, prison or death.
The Solution
The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction, is interesting and highly informative in its forthright address to the actual cause of addiction, and why it is an addict cannot easily overcome or break free from its trap. It also presents us with workable and long-term solutions to the resolution of addiction, and true help for those who suffer its consequences.
To access the The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction online, please contact us today.
