What in the material on addiction did you find most useful? What are the three most valuable things you found that you would share with a friend who struggles with such issues?
Addiction is treated by most professionals as a disease, since it alters body chemistry; treatments for it even follow a disease model, which is based on an understanding that restraint cannot easily overcome the biochemical forces at work in the body of the addict.
It often begins with the innocent use of a prescription drug for a legitimate medical reason - i.e., Oxytonin and Vicoden [pain relievers]; Xanax [an anxiety drug]; etc. Some users have the illusion that because a drug is legal and obtained with a prescription, it's abuse is somehow not the same as abuse of illegal drugs.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treats the thought processes and habits that foster addiction. A therapist can help a substance abuser discover alternative coping strategies to avoid relapse into drinking or drug use, and also can help the patient find new support systems and activities that can help lead to recovery.
• Changing the circumstances linked to drug abuse is an important first step in overcoming addiction; this means avoiding friendships, places, and situations that may spur them to indulge, and replacing a bad habit with a good one.
• The American Psychiatric Association prepares guidelines for substance abuse and drug addiction treatment. This guide is updated regularly to take into account new procedures, treatments, and, especially, new drug regimens. The guidelines also indicate a set of best behavioral practices that can help a substance abuser overcome addiction.
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