The ‘Disease' of Addiction; According to WHO (World Health Organization), 10% of the population suffers from addiction to alcohol or drugs. Addiction is now recognized as a disease by leading medical authorities such as WHO and the American Medical Association. It is a multi-faceted, chronic disease that affects all areas of the alcoholic or addict's life. The family is also affected greatly. Alcoholics Anonymous, the famous worldwide fellowship of recovery describes the disease as “cunning, baffling and powerful”. If not treated, the disease always leads to devastation and death.

The most effective treatment for this disease is the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Millions of addicts worldwide have recovered by practicing this program and it is used in leading rehabilitation centers worldwide.

Not Bad or Mad, but Sick
by
Rahul Luther
(Published in The Hindu)

Alcoholism and drug addiction is a highly prevalent problem in society today. Studies indicate that about 10% of the world population has a problem with addictions. In poorer countries, the figure is likely to be higher.

Today, alcoholism is recognized as a disease by leading medical authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association.
Alcoholism has a devastating effect on all areas of the affected person – physical, mental, social, financial, emotional and spiritual. His ethical or value system is greatly eroded - he easily lies, cheats, manipulates or steals to maintain his habit. It adversely affects his relationships with family, colleagues and friends.

Like all diseases, addiction (to alcohol or drugs) has certain characteristics. Details may vary from person to person, but the symptoms and patterns are predictable:

First of all, it is primary. That means the problem is within the alcoholic and not caused by any external influences. Modern research has identified a genetic factor in the disease and scientists have isolated certain chemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain, which are directly related. Parents usually blame their child's “bad company”. Alcoholics themselves give a variety of excuses, such as too much stress at work or too little love and understanding at home.

This is typical, since addiction is characterized by denial - within the alcoholic and in his family. Both try to justify, rationalize and blame people, places and situations. Both will adopt various control strategies to reduce or stop his habit. The alcoholic may resolve to drink only in the evenings, or only on weekends, or shift from whisky to beer. However, all control strategies inevitably fail.

Secondly, addiction is a progressive disease. Starting with an occasional glass of beer, an alcoholic needs increasing quantities to achieve the same' high', since the body develops tolerance towards the drink or drug.

Thirdly, alcoholism is a family disease. It affects the entire family, especially the wife, parents and children. They are victims of addiction who do not take drinks or drugs. They experience similar negative feelings as the addict; fear, anger, hurt, confusion, guilt, shame, hope followed by despair. Even their behavioral patterns become similar. Just as the addict tries various control strategies to reduce or stop drinking, the family members also begin to lie, manipulate and deceive in their vain attempts to control or cover up his habit. The family members are in desperate need of proper help, support and understanding.

Fourth, it is an incurable disease. However, it is treatable. Like diabetes, a regular treatment schedule is required, to keep the disease in check. An abstinent alcoholic cannot take a drink and hopes to continue a controlled pattern. He will inevitably return to obsessive and compulsive drinking. Total abstinence is the only way. AA defines alcoholism rather poetically but aptly as “a sickness of the soul”.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship. The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking. Its recovery program is based on 12 steps, and it has helped millions of alcoholics recover worldwide. Most of the modern treatment centers base their recovery program on the 12 steps of AA.

The alcoholic or drug addict may appear to be a “bad” or “mad” person,” But the fact is that he is sick. And he needs help.

Mr. Rahul Luther is Executive Trustee of Hope Trust,