Published on August 10, 2008.
Addiction can takes on many forms; food, shopping, surfing the net, gambling, sex and much more. But the most severe addictions of all are those of drugs and alcohol – with their obvious life-threatening consequences. People anywhere are not spared from this global phenomenon. Some decline rehabilitation while some voluntarily embark on their new lives in an alcohol or drug rehab.
Persons who are addicted to alcohol and drugs may take them to overcome day-to-day problems, or the chemical dependency may be triggered by stressful events, depressions and a general feeling that their lives are falling apart. Or it may be a case that such problems run in the family history – possibly genetic, or just seen as a familiar way to deal with issues. And obviously an addiction doesn’t only affect the addict/alcoholic but the entire family as well.
People with drug and alcohol problems have different needs and should be addressed appropriately. There is addiction treatment designed to suit each case. It helps drug users and alcoholics to break free from the habit and provide them with treatment and social reintegration. Addicts entering a rehab have better chances of recovery at the moment they accept the fact that they are indeed under the influence of drugs and alcohol and it is controlling their life and they themselves seek treatment. But since the use of drugs and alcohol became habitual long before the person entered rehabilitation, its effect especially in the brain function and brain structure continues to exist even if the person is on his way to recovery. Continuous medication, follow-up and check up should be done to avoid relapses.