Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know whether I have an alcohol or drug problem?

It is important to remember that chemical dependency is a chronic, progressive disease, and each person is different with regard to his or her symptoms. Only 3% of alcoholics and addicts fit what most people consider to be the "classic" example. If you are concerned that you may have a problem, you need to take a very honest look at yourself. If you continue to drink or do drugs despite the fact that they are causing problems in your life, then it is highly likely you have a problem. Another way to determine whether you have a problem is to try to quit all alcohol or drugs, and see how it feels and whether you're able to do it. Your experience will tell all.

2. Can addiction/alcoholism really be cured?

Unfortunately, the answer is No. There is no cure for this disease. Some exciting new medical research has resulted in options that can help make achieving abstinence easier (for example, vaccines to prevent cocaine from causing euphoria). Remission is a definite possibility for everyone who is serious about getting sober.

3. Why is addiction/alcoholism considered a disease?

In 1956, the American Medical Association classified alcoholism as a primary disease. It is not secondary, although it may coexist with other diseases such as bipolar disorder, depression, and diabetes. There is no doubt that genes play a major role. We also now know that the addict/alcoholic's brain is different neurochemically. Furthermore, the signs and symptoms of this disease fulfill the pathological requirements of a "disease". The good news, though, is that treatment exists and it does work. If alcoholism were just about a lack of willpower, intelligence or moral fiber, there would be little hope.

4. Can I learn to control my drinking or drug use?

If you truly have this biopsychosocial brain disease, the answer is no. Of course there have been a few exceptions (< 1%), and many have died trying to be in this one-percentile. Recovery is a chemical-free (addictive substance) existence. Addicts/alcoholics will become addicted to any addictive substance. The recovering cocaine addict cannot use alcohol and the alcoholic cannot use cocaine!

5. How will I ever be happy or enjoy life unless I can drink?

This is the most common question asked by someone considering recovery. An important point to remember is that abstinence simply means not drinking or drugging. Nothing else has changed, and abstinence alone is a truly miserable existence, ( i.e. the "dry drunk"). Recovery and staying sober involves not only abstinence, but just as importantly, a change in how we live. The alcohol or drugs must be replaced with something else for sobriety to work. Recovery is about emotional healing, physical rejuvenation and spiritual renewal.

6. Do you have to lose everything before you can really want to get sober?

Absolutely not, although unfortunately this had been the case, for hundreds of years. In the past when treatment was not available or adequate, most people did ride this elevator all the way down to the bottom floor, when their life was in shambles and they literally had lost everything - family, friends, jobs and homes.
Today you can elect to get off this elevator at any floor your choose. In fact, the sooner you choose to address your problem, the less likely that you'll lose all you care about. Recovery offers a path of hope that is available anytime to anyone who chooses to take it.

7. Does forcing someone into treatment work?

Ideally, treatment works best when the patient is motivated and willing to work! There is a wide range of motivation levels and no two people to into treatment from the same place. We now know that treatment does work even for those who may be resistant at first. Counselors are trained to treat patients at all levels of the spectrum. A common phrase in treatment is "It's not what made you come in, it's why you decided to stay!"

8. Once the alcoholic or addict gets help, what about me?

The family is often left out of the recovery process despite the fact that they tried so hard for so long to encourage and support the alcoholic/addict toward sobriety. This disease affects the family 100% of the time. No exceptions. In many cases, it is not what the alcoholic/addict does, it's what they don't do that is so destructive to the family. Denial is a protective mechanism for the family just as it is for the alcoholic/addict. When the denial decreases, there is incredible pain, doubt and anger. Therapy can help but it is recommended that therapy be supplemented for the family members with participation in Alanon/Alateen. The person who can help you most is the person who has already been down that road.

9. Do you have to go to AA or NA forever?

This is probably the second most commonly asked question. What is surprising is that this is often a frequent question asked by the family members. There are few absolutes in medicine but with most diseases, we know what works best and has the highest success rate. There is no doubt that active participation in the fellowship of AA or NA is the most consistently proven method of successful recovery.
Most people go to AA or NA at first because they have to. In a short time, most continue to go because they want to. I simply tell patients that there are certainly other options, but they must be willing to accept the lower odds for success. Alternative medicine can work for many people, but if you were diagnosed with cancer, would you want to go to a hospital with a proven track record for beating this disease, or would you want to try something experimental? For a disease as devastating and deadly as addiction, you want to do all you can to increase your odds for long-term success.

10. Is AA or treatment religious-based?

No. There are certainly some very fine treatment programs that are Christian-based, but most are not affiliated with any particular religion or belief system. In most all treatment centers and AA/NA in particular, it makes no difference whether you are atheist, agnostic or religious. Many find spiritual renewal through the Twelve Steps, but the beauty of the Twelve Steps is that everyone is welcome and you can believe in the God or higher power of your understanding. There are no hidden religious agendas.

Definition of Terms

Addiction

A primary chronic neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over the chemical use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm and craving.

Chemical Dependency

A generic term relating to the psychological or physical dependency, or both, upon one of more psychoactive substances.

Detoxification

A process of withdrawing a person from a specific psychoactive substance in a safe and effective manner.

Psychoactive Substance

 

Recovery

A process of overcoming both physical and psychological dependence on a psychoactive substance with a commitment to sobriety. Recovery is a journey, not a destination.

Relapse

recurrence of psychoactive substance dependent behavior in an individual who has achieved and maintained abstinence for a significant period of time beyond withdrawal.

Sobriety

a state of complete abstinence from psychoactive substances by an addicted individual in conjunction with a satisfactory quality of life.

Withdrawal Syndrome

the onset of a predictable constellation of signs or symptoms following the abrupt discontinuation of, or a rapid decrease in, dosage of a psychoactive substance.