Topic: alcoholism

We’re brought up to view a pattern of problems with alcohol or drugs as the result of a variety of other factors— psychological issues, or lack of willpower, or moral weakness, or some terrible past experience. That makes it difficult for most of us to switch over to the view of addiction as a chronic illness.

Relapse doesn’t mean failure, but it does mean a great deal of pain and effort.

One large survey of alcoholics found that some 14% had actually become dependent within a year of the first drink. The percentage almost doubled when the time period was extended to two years.

Much of the anxiety the addicted person feels is anticipatory, based not on actual withdrawal symptoms but on the fear of not being able to find an adequate supply of the drug when they arrive.

Kids like to bring up the fact that alcohol kills many times more Americans than marijuana (or heroin, or cocaine). So why are those drugs illegal, their use subject to harsh punishment, when alcohol isn’t?

We can’t expect to address alcoholism without encountering defenses, since they exist to protect alcoholic drinking. But we have an advantage.

Five short snapshots on key intervention concepts. You CAN help motivate someone towards recovery.

The Norwegian study is part of an ongoing effort to restore the right of researchers to conduct studies involving therapeutic uses of LSD.

If you’re happy with your program of recovery, find another therapist who believes in letting the client direct the course of therapy.

The medical professions have been dealing with alcoholism and alcoholics for thousands of years, and this experience has led to some pretty hard and fast views on the subject.