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Glossary of Terms
Alcoholism/ Drug Addiction
Alcoholism/ drug addiction is a disease of teh brain caused by a
genetically altered neurotransmission system. The dysfunction of the
neurological system caused by continued use of drugs impacts every area
of the victim's life - phsyical, mental, social and spiritual. The disease
is classified as chronic because no matter how long the period of
abstinence, any reintroduction of psychoactive drugs return the addict to
pathological modes of thinking, acting, feeling and believing. The disease,
however, can be completely arrested through the continuous abstinence from
drugs, a reframing of the mind through cognitive therapy, healthy daily
living and development of the spirit through 12-step programs.
Tolerance
The term refers to the reduced repsonse to a drug's action. The alcoholic/ addict
may often show abnormally high tolerance for drugs in the early stages of the
disease. In the later stages tolerance decreases and small amounts of a drug cause
intoxication. At this stage the liver is malfunctioning and unable to clear the
toxins from the body.
Withdrawal
The alcoholic/ addict's body adapts to drugs over time and needs them for the addict
to feel "normal." When drugs are removed the body must compensate, causing a state of
"hypexciteability" or "hyperdepression." Some drugs cause little physical withdrawal
while others (alcohol, opiates) cause severe withdrawal.
Loss of Control
Alcoholics/ addicts lose control over both the amount of the drug ingested and the
time and place of alcohol/ drug consumption. This loss of control is frightening
and continues despite promises made to oneself and one's family and friends.
Using Despite Serious Problems
The alcoholic/ addict begins to suffer serious emotional, pschological, physical
and financial problems directly related to the disease. Despite the weight of these
problems the addict continues to drink/ use and may still deny that there is a link
between his/ her life problems and alcohol/ drug use.
Cross-Addiction
All psychoactive drugs act on the dopamine reward system of the brain, the seat
of addiction. The addict must abstain from all psychoactive drugs lest they
trigger the same dysfunction that is at the heart of the addictive process.
Recovery
The process of returning the mind, body and spirit of the alcoholic/ addict
to health must be rooted in abstinence from all psychoactive drugs. The
alcoholic/ addict who works a program devoted to recovery enjoys a new way
of living and deep satisfaction with living sober and free.
Relapse
Like recovery, relapse is a process rather than en event. Relapse most often
begins with the addict letting old ways of thinking and feeling into daily
life. The actual ingestion of a drink or a drug is the final step in the
relapse process. Relapse prevention is an ongoing focus of Lakeside's
continuing care program.
Contact us now at Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers for FREE Drug & Alcohol evaluations...
Call (800)231-4303 or email us confidentially
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