What is Addiction?
Dr. Stephen Stein, Medical Director at Narconon Vista Bay, argues that there is evidence that the Neurobiology of Addiction is 2/3 genetic and 1/3 environmental. This may help break the stigma of addiction being associated with lack of will power or character flaw.
1 in 4 people suffer from the illness of addiction, which in turn affects the lives of 4 to 6 people; impacting not only the addict, but family and friends as well. Many of those suffering from this illness and their loved ones have little understanding of this medical problem. The AMA declared Alcoholism a disease in 1950’s and in the 1960’s declared Addiction a disease. This lack of information contributes to the shame and secrecy the family experiences.
Most families are left on their own to deal with this devastating problem
Many families take years before they understand and name the problem. Our society laments the problems the addict causes. Turn on the news; read the headlines addicts are causing our society continuous problems. Many of us have felt like helpless victims in wanting to help our loved ones.
However, families suffering from this illness are not told what they can do to help themselves or their loved ones. These families are often told to”Let go” and wait for their love one to “hit bottom“by well meaning people, often professionals. They are left with few tools to cope with this illness. Education and insight can change this. There is hope.
1 in 4 people suffer from the illness of addiction, which in turn affects the lives of 4 to 6 people; impacting not only the addict, but family and friends as well. Many of those suffering from this illness and their loved ones have little understanding of this medical problem. The AMA declared Alcoholism a disease in 1950’s and in the 1960’s declared Addiction a disease. This lack of information contributes to the shame and secrecy the family experiences.
Most families are left on their own to deal with this devastating problem
Many families take years before they understand and name the problem. Our society laments the problems the addict causes. Turn on the news; read the headlines addicts are causing our society continuous problems. Many of us have felt like helpless victims in wanting to help our loved ones.
However, families suffering from this illness are not told what they can do to help themselves or their loved ones. These families are often told to”Let go” and wait for their love one to “hit bottom“by well meaning people, often professionals. They are left with few tools to cope with this illness. Education and insight can change this. There is hope.