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Disease
of Addiction
Addiction is defined as a
"disease" by the American Medical Association. The
criteria for disease are:
Diseases have a
biological basis
Ample studies demonstrate that alcohol and other
drug dependency often has a genetic basis. Repeated use may
produce biological changes that after the functioning of critical
pathways in the brain that control motivated behavior. This
molecular switch signals a change from use/abuse to addiction.
A disease has
identifiable signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of addiction include withdrawal
symptoms, tolerance, using more of a substance than intended,
unsuccessful attempts to control use, a large time investment
in obtaining, using or recovering from the effects of use,
and use despite negative internal and external consequences.
The disease is identified when several of these symptoms are
present.
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A disease has
a predictable course and outcome
Addiction has social consequences. Loss of control
and intensification of social difficulties progress until
there are serious problems in health, relationships and employment.
The natural history of the disease includes periods of abstinence
and relapse.
A disease's condition
or manifestations are not caused by willful acts
A cardinal feature of dependence is one's inability
to control use, once begun. Drinking or using becomes a top
priority; despite attempts to control use. This lack of control
is what differentiates abuse from dependence.
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Compliance
with treatment determines outcome
Addiction is very comparable to other chronic diseases
in terms of treatment compliance and outcome. If an individual
with addiction follows a specific regimen - just as with other
chronic diseases - he/she can remain symptom free. As with
other diseases, if he/she does not follow the specific regimen
and remain abstinent, etc., he/she will relapse.
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