Information on Addiction

I’m currently at a conference about addiction – so I’m going to share some information I’m coming across that might be useful to my readers.

OVERVIEW OF ADDICTION

Definition from the National Institute of Drug Abuse:

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Causes of Addiction:

40-60% is accounted for by genetic factors.

Involves multiple factors: biology/genes; environment; and brain mechanisms

Impact of addiction on the family

• Family structure
• Abandonment, fear, guilt & shame
• Depression and anxiety
• Domestic violence
• Separation
• Isolation
• Parenting
• Finances
• Intergenerational transmission

Addiction becomes the organizing principle.

Only 17% of adolescents who have a substance abuse problem are receiving treatment.

Obstacles to treatment:

• Stigmas
• Myths
• $$$$$$$$$
• Discrimination
• Families lack understanding of addiction

Systemic approach would include medication treatment, detox and/or residential programs, behavioral and cognitive therapy, and relational/family therapy.

Definition of Self-Deception:

Avoidance or outright denial of unpleasant aspects of reality, especially those which might otherwise warrant an unfavorable opinion about ourselves.