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Definition
of Addiction:
Addiction
is a disease that is characterized by compulsive use,
loss of control over use, and continued use in spite
of adverse consequences. The disease is chronic and
progressive and potentially fatal if not treated. The
disease is also incurable, but it may be brought into
a state of remission through abstinence and a rigorous
program of supported recovery.
Some Aspects of Addiction
Denial
The insistence by the addict that there is no problem.
It has been said that alcoholics and addicts are incapable
of seeing the consequences of their addiction. This
is why Intervention is the best tool for initiating
treatment. Another form of denial is recognizing that
there is a problem but nothing can be done about it.
Again, intervention can successfully confront this excuse.
Physical Dependence
Alcohol and most other drugs form physical dependence
in the addict and the addict will need to be detoxed
safely. This needs to be considered in the decision
of where the addict is going to
get treatment.
Codependency and Enabling
Characteristics of Codependency
Following are some characteristics of codependency which
affect the objectivity of the codependent family member(s).
-
Your struggle affects my serenity.
-
My mental attention focuses on solving your problems/relieving
your pain.
-
My mental attention is focused on protecting you.
-
I am not aware of how I feel. I am aware of how you
feel.
-
My fear of your anger determines what I say or do.
-
I use giving as a way of feeling safe in our relationship.
-
My social circle diminishes as I involve myself with
you.
- The
quality of my life is in relation to the quality of
yours.
Enabling
When someone has codependent feelings about the active
addict, they become fearful around them and in confronting
them. Often times parents may feel it is better to let
a child who is acting out with drugs or alcohol stay
in the house because at least they know where they are.
This is an example of enabling. Enabling can be the
biggest deterrent to an addict seeking or getting help.
Enabling allows the addict to keep using despite the
consequences by shielding them from those consequences.
The enabler will say that they are only trying to help
when in fact what they are doing is masking their own
feelings of fear or guilt. The enabler needs to confront
their own feelings around the addict so that they can
successfully take part in a professional intervention
to help their loved one, friend or coworker. 1st
Step Interventions
has the experience in helping individuals work through
codependency and enabling.
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