What does addiction look like?

While offering basic information concerning the 5 elements, VIDA Wellness would also

like to alternate those postings in the coming weeks with basic information related to the

topic of addiction. Reason being, we offer many treatment services from a total body

organic overhaul to residential rehab treatment in Playa Negra, Costa Rica. We strongly

believe that the aforementioned range complement each other naturally and

cooperatively provide the most effective approach to maintaining holistic health.

Today’s posting will offer basic information about alcohol, the disease of alcoholism and

general addiction. If this is an area of struggle you or a loved one, you can find more

information about our drug rehab treatment program in Costa Rica by visiting our

website at www.vidawellnesscostarica.com. You may also contact Dr. Randi directly via

the information provided on our site. We look forward to potentially working with you!!

Alcohol – The Basics

The Problem

The cost and consequences of alcoholism/drug abuse has historically yielded an

enormous burden on our society. As a result of being the primary health problem,

addiction strains the economy, the health care system, the criminal justice system, and

threatens job security, general safety, marital and family life. It crosses all societal

norms, affects every ethnic group, both genders, and socio-economic status. However,

today it is increasingly being recognized world-wide as a disease…a disease that VIDA

believes can be successfully battled.

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance of addiction in the U.S. Research reveals

that 17.6 million people (1 in 12 adults) suffer from alcohol addiction along with several

million more who weekly engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to addiction.

In fact, half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism/problem drinking and more

than 7 million children currently live in a home with at least one parent that regularly

consumes alcohol in excess.

Addiction Stats

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 20

million Americans 12 or older used an illegal drug in the past 30 days. This estimate

represents 8% of the population of 12 years old or older. Additionally, the abuse of

prescription medications, including painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants, is growing with

an estimated 48 million people 12 and older using prescription medications

recreationally. This represents approximately 20% of the entire U.S. population.

Alcoholism and drug addiction can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Long-term use of

alcohol and other drugs, both legal and illegal, can cause serious health complications

that affect virtually every organ in the body. It can also negatively impact emotional

stability, finances, career, family, friends and the local community.

Addiction Defined

As posted in the previous VIDA blog, addiction is a complex brain disorder. It is

characterized by compulsive drug seeking behaviors, despite negative consequences.

The enduring chemical changes in the brain from chronic use interfere with a person’s

ability to process information, exercise good judgment, manage behaviors, and function

proficiently without abusing drugs. Additionally, the disease of addiction is often

accompanied by physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and increased tolerance.

For many people, addiction is chronic and involves relapses even after long periods of

abstinence. Following are alcohol related terms to provide more understanding of the

disease.

Moderate Drinking

Moderate drinking is the term used to describe a lower-risk pattern of consumption.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services (HHS), moderate drinking is defined as having no more than one

drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men.

Response to Consumption

Individual reactions to alcohol consumption vary due to the influence of many different

factors such as age, gender, race or ethnicity, physical condition (weight, fitness level,

etc.), food consumption prior to drinking, pace of alcohol consumption, use of other

drugs (legal or illegal), and family history of substance use.

Abstinence

While many alcoholics and/or drug addicts would like to stop using, it may be lifethreatening,

extremely difficult or impossible for several reasons. Although the initial

decision to use alcohol or drugs is voluntary for most, the physiological changes that

follow with addiction influences a person’s self control and ability to resist intense

impulses to use.

For example, when a person uses alcohol and/or drugs, the brain produces dopamine in

excess. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that inhabits the parts of the brain that control

movement, emotion, cognition, motivation and pleasure. When these systems are

overloaded by alcohol or drugs; a state of euphoria, or “high”, results. An addict’s brain

is different than that of a non-user because the addict’s brain learns to adjust to the

imbalance by producing less dopamine or reducing active receptors to receive or

transmit signals. This is the reason why an addict is unable to feel the genuine joy and

pleasure of daily living. They often feel depressed or flat when they aren’t “high” and

desire to use again to regain the needed dopamine levels to feel “normal”.

With that said, realize that not everyone who uses alcohol or drugs is an alcoholic or

drug addict. A person becomes an addict when their daily use becomes so critical that

they are willing to risk other healthy areas of their lives to use their substance of

addiction. This may develop quickly or slowly, after their first use or many years

afterward.

Genetic Prevalence

Research shows that those with a family history are more prone to develop the disease.

However, a genetic predisposition does not mean that a child of an alcoholic will

become an addict themselves. Not all children of an addict’s family struggles with

alcoholism or other drugs. Furthermore, some children develop an addiction even

without the presence of a parent with an addiction themselves. Generally, lifestyle is a

critical factor. Friends that consume alcohol in excess, elevated stress levels and how

accessible alcohol is available are all factors that determine the risk level of any

individual.

Common Drugs of Addiction

The most commonly used and abused drug, second to alcohol, is marijuana. Other

common drugs of addiction include cocaine, heroin, inhalants, LSD (acid), MDMA

(ecstasy), methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP), steroids (anabolic), Vicodin,

OxyContin and other prescription drugs, including pain relievers, depressants and

stimulants. Regardless of the substance, any substance in excess yields a higher risk of

psychological and physiological complications.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medications can be as dangerous, if not more of a risk, as street drugs.

Prescription medications become drugs when they are not used as prescribed and in

excess. They require a prescription from a doctor because they are powerful

substances, need to be regulated and managed by a medical doctor. While VIDA

Wellness has a medical doctor on staff, we have found herbal remedies to be more

effective than many prescriptions medications offered on the market for the same

ailments.

Even when prescribed a medication, taking more of the medications than recommended

is not only dangerous but can be toxic and even life threatening. A medical doctor is

required to manage the dosing of same to avoid dangerous drug interactions, as well

serious side effects. From 1995-2005, treatment admissions for prescription medication

abuse of pain relievers increased more than 300%. Simply put, taking prescription

medications without an approved prescription and medical supervision is dangerous

and illegal.

Brian Wall, NCC, MAC, LPC, LCAS

Clinical Addiction Specialist

denovofaith@gmail.com