What Is Addiction
There are many causes leading to symptoms that can be attributed to addictive behaviors. Some people need their alcohol or substance to get through the day. Some need it to avoid going into uncomfortable withdrawal. Some drink or use drugs in an effort to avoid painful memories. Some drink or use drugs to allay social anxiety and discomfort. Some use alcohol and drugs on a semi-frequent basis but, when they do, they overdo it.
Addiction does not have a set list of symptoms that all must be met in order to identify and qualify someone as having a problem. It is for each individual to decide for himself or herself whether or not they think they have a problem. Identifiable addiction develops as early as junior high and as late as post retirement. The problem does not discriminate. It crosses all cultural, social, sexual and economic boundaries. In our company founder’s case, addiction set in at the age of 10.
Having said that, there are two traits that most alcoholics and addicts can identify with. The first is if, when you honestly want to stop drinking or using drugs, you find you cannot quit entirely. The second is if, when drinking or using drugs, you have little control over the amount you consume. If you are willing to admit to one or both of these descriptions, you might consider
seeking professional help.
In most cases of alcoholism and addiction, the person persists in engaging in addictive behaviors even as it is destructing their life and the lives of those around them. Motive for attempting recovery must not be to appease others. A person likely will not be successful in recovering unless they are able to acknowledge to their innermost self that they have a problem and that all their other ideas for a solution have failed them. Sometimes an intervention is very effective in triggering this thought process when necessary.
Seeking help for alcoholism and addiction is frightening. No one wants to admit that they have what they fear others would consider a weakness or lack of character. Believe us when we tell you that you are not alone and you are not weak.
Alcoholism and addiction are medically identifiable as genetic diseases, no different from diabetes. There is no cure, but with proper treatment you will keep it in remission for the rest of your life. Not only do you have loved ones to support you throughout the process, but ASC will introduce you to a whole new world of people just like yourself: doctors, attorneys, accountants, celebrities, athletes and politicians.