Pre-Recovery What is Addiction? Western view

 

In the Western Medicine there is a Book called the DSMV. The acronym stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. The manual is used by psychotherapists in the United States and in much of the world. It is considered to be the authoritative guide for Psychiatrists, Psychologists and other Mental Health Workers throughout the world.  The DSMV defines Addiction as: 

Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life.

Notice the phrase "certain substances". Anything can become addictive.  Think for a moment, is religion addictive? can be. Is water? yes, I know of someone who was hospitalized because they consumed to much water. What about possessions? We call that hoarding. Butterfly watching.. might happen if you ignore your family, friends and life matters to watch, collect and discuss butterflies above all else.  

Addiction is a brain disease. It is not a matter of self will failing.  It is not a matter of corrupt moral values.  It is like Parkinson's, or epilepsy. It is a brain disorder. It can be managed. Conventional wisdom suggests a person can be in recovery but can never completely recover. As of February 2019 the cause of addiction has not been determined. 

Is think I have piss poor protoplasm. I have it, so now what comes next? 

In 2015 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMSA) reported 1 in 10 members of the US population had a drug or alcohol problem.  In grad school I was taught that 1 person with a substance abuse problem affects 10 people.  The logical result is everyone in the United States is affected by addiction. 

Are you addicted? Let's take a survey. This is intended for alcohol abuse but can be modified for any substance.

Yes No 1. Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking? 2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? 3. Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking? 4. Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
Two or more yes answers may indicate a problem with substance abuse. When I took the CAGE 35 years ago, I said yes to 3 out of 4.  What about you?