Three Factors That Make Alcohol Addiction and Drug Addiction a Disease

by Gene Hunt

Three Factors That Make Alcohol Addiction and Drug Addiction a Disease

Why is it that the addiction to drugs and alcohol is increasing everyday? No one asks to become a victim of alcohol addiction or drug addiction, so how does it happen?

Let’s examine these questions in detail.

First it’s important to understand the cycle of addiction. When a person takes things like alcohol or drugs, these substances alter the chemical composition of the brain. Alcohol and drugs causes the brain to release endorphins, the pleasure causing agents. As a result the person loses all his inhibitions and feels “high”. The process of addiction is a sine wave phenomenon with sharp peaks and troughs. As the intoxication weras off, a feeling of being let down or depresion can occur. The phenomena of craving occurs because of the body’s physical demands. He becomes focused on just one thing and that is getting high again. He spends all his energy in getting the drug or the alcohol and nothing else matters.

In other words addiction is not a behavior issue, In fact it is a disease. Will power may be important in refusing the drug or the alcohol initially, however once the person is addicted then it does not remain only their will anymore, instead it actually becomes a conditioned reflex.

Who are at risk for addiction? Almost everyone is at a risk; however some people are at a greater risk of addiction than the others. A lot of factors come into play as far as addiction is concerned:

1. Genetics: If there is a family history of addiction to drugs or alcohol, the liklihood of offspring getting addicted is much higher.

2. Low self-esteem: low self esteem or depression tendency may also lead to addiction. The reason for this is quite simple. People who have low self confidence or low self-esteem may be searching for easy ways to feel good. Drugs/alcohol gives them that high, which makes them feel that they are better than anyone else.

3. Emotional factors: People who crave for love or children whose parents are unable to provide them with unconditional love are also at a high risk for addiction. Such children want to be needed and loved, which they do not find at home and hence seek in peers. Most of the times, just to please their friends, they get into drugs or alcohol and oft time develops an addiction.

Addiction is a disease that ruins a capable and intelligent human being. This disease needs treatment like all the other diseases. The catch in this situation is that the patient is unaware of his problem and may even deny it. Therefore it is crucial to handle the patient with understanding and love. With the right treatment addiction to drugs and alcohol can be cured and the persons’ life put back in order.