Alcoholism and drug abuse used to be considered a moral problem. The alcoholic or drug addict was looked up as a weak-willed individual. The common attitude was that he/she could quit drinking or using if they really wanted to or, at the very least, could control their intake.

Today, addiction (alcohol or other drugs) is recognized as a disease and are treatable. The American Medical Association gave formal recognition to the disease of chemical dependence in 1956. As the community and family members become more educated about the disease process, the chemically dependent client is afforded the opportunity to find treatment, and ultimately, recovery.

Alcohol
The active ingredient in alcohol is ethyl alcohol, which is produced by yeast. Working much like ether, alcohol puts the brain to sleep. Alcohol functions as a depressant to the central nervous system and slows down body functions. In large amounts, alcohol causes sedation, intoxication, unconsciousness, and possible death. Aside from significant negative physical consequences, chronic use of alcohol can lead to physical and psychological addiction.

Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a type of drug dependence. There is both physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Alcoholism is a primary, chronic, progressive, and sometimes fatal disease due to the habitual use of alcohol; often described as any "harmful use" of alcohol--meaning the alcoholic continues to drink despite recurrent social, personal, physical, or legal consequences as a result of their alcohol use.

Chemically Dependent
People are "chemically dependent" if they need alcohol or drugs to help them live their lives. Life events, daily stressors, and routines are interlaced with drug or alcohol use. The chemically dependent person frequently will avoid social settings where alcohol/drugs are unavailable.

Chronic
Alcoholism/Addiction, as with all chronic illness, cannot be cured. However, the progression of the disease can be stopped with effective treatment and relapse prevention. A chronic disease is defined as long lasting and deep-seated and constant.

Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is an irreversible condition in which the liver tissues are replaced by scar tissue as the result of prolonged, chronic abuse of alcohol. Consequently, the liver can no longer process toxins efficiently. This causes a build up of poisons in the blood. This build up is ultimately fatal.

Codependency
A set of maladaptive, compulsive behaviors learned by family members in order to survive in a family which is experiencing great emotional pain and stress (Ex: perfectionism, workaholism, procrastination, dependent relationships, possessiveness, and or controlling relationships.)
[Could be me, but I am just trying to control help...]

Compulsive Preoccupation
The addict/alcoholic spends a great deal of time thinking about using/drinking in the future or reliving past experiences.

Craving
A strong need or compulsion that will not stop until the addict/alcoholic obtains their drug of choice.

Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Occurs in some cases of withdrawal from alcohol. Identified by increasing confusion, depression, and terrifying hallucinations, along with persistent and uncontrollable shaking often accompanied by increases in blood pressure to extreme levels. This is a medical emergency.

Denial
Denial is an integral part of the disease process and a major obstacle to recovery. The alcoholic/addict lies about his/her using, hides using by denying and refusing to discuss the extent of the use. As the disease progresses, remarkably the denial likewise increases. [How many times have you heard...]
Detachment
Discovering that no situation is really hopeless, and that it is possible to find contentment, and even happiness, whether the addict/alcoholic is still using or not. [What you need...]

Disease
Involuntary disability, unhealthy physical or mental state.

Drugs
Commonly used drugs include marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, speed, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, LSD, XTC, inhalants, amphetamines, GHB, and prescription medication.

Dual Diagnosis
Refers to those who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder and alcohol or substance addiction at the same time. Drug/alcohol problems and mental illness often go hand-in-hand, with the substance abuse sometimes disguising depression or other psychiatric issues.

Enabling
Doing for someone things they could, and should, be doing for themselves. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which the alcoholic/addict can comfortably continue his/her unacceptable behaviors and evade responsibility for their actions. [I was just trying to help...]

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
For pregnant women who continue to drink during pregnancy, their unborn child faces a high risk of being born with a combination of physical and mental defects.


Hitting Bottom
The place an alcoholic/addict must reach before finally becoming ready to admit that he/she has a problem and reaches out for help.

Impaired Control
The inability to control one's use on any given occasion.

Intervention
For those who need help but do not want it or are in denial of the severity of their disease, intervention may be necessary. An intervention brings reality to the person affected by family, friends and/or coworkers presenting clear and factual information about the effect the person's drinking/use has had on those who care about them. [Intervention Information]

Loss of Control
The user cannot predict what will happen when he/she uses 'the' substance. One day the addict/alcoholic may be able to stop after one drink, or one line of cocaine, the next day, he/she may not be able to control their use at all.

Progression of Disease
The progression of the disease is so subtle and usually takes place over an extended period of time. Even the alcoholic/addict may have failed to notice the point in which he/she lost control and alcohol/drugs took over his/her life.

Tolerance
The need for increasing amounts of alcohol/drugs in order to achieve the desired effect.

Tough Love
Allowing the alcoholic/addict to face the consequences of his/her own actions. Letting go and letting the alcoholic/addict continue in his/her addiction until things get so bad that their misery outweighs their fear of change.