Chemical dependency is a complex condition. The reasons for addiction may have to do with neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, that produce feelings of arousal, satisfaction and reward. Experiencing these feelings encourages repetition of the behaviors that produced them. Substance abuse becomes associated with pleasure, and withdrawal symptoms hamper any efforts to stop. As dependency deepens, addicts are no longer able to derive pleasure from things they used to enjoy, such as work, hobbies or relationships. But addiction and the factors that trigger it can be overcome.
Honesty
Part of addiction is rationalizing drug use and denying that chemical dependency is the cause of many problems. The addict blames bad luck and other people's behavior for job losses, legal problems, ill health and family separations. By facing the fact that drug use is out of control and having the courage to seek recovery, the addict gains awareness that can lead to change. Awareness may seep in slowly or come all at once, which is why intervention is a valuable tool in the field of chemical dependency.
Peer Support
A realistic assessment of the addict's situation is most likely to come from others who have had similar problems. Opening up to someone else is a cornerstone of successful recovery. Asking for help gets easier as trust and confidence build. By giving back and becoming a mentor to others, participants are able to keep their own program alive.
Feelings
Addicts who are new in recovery may initially have no emotions. As thinking clears, most are beset by raw emotions and find they lack even the basic skills for dealing with them. Addicts use drugs to avoid guilt and fear, sometimes for years. With time and practice, feelings will become less likely to trigger addictions. Depending on drug use patterns, it may take weeks or months for brain chemistry to normalize and feelings of gratitude, appreciation, joy and wonder to return. A recovery community understands this and can guide the participant with patience and humor.
Responsibility
Getting commitments and setting achievable short-term goals helps addicts in recovery stay focused. Little things, like setting out chairs for a meeting or making a doctor's appointment, build self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. It's also important for addicts to make amends for past behavior. Apologizing to individuals who have been hurt is a start, but more action is required. Making amends to the community might take the form of participation in organized outreach activities or volunteer work. It is important to understand that staying clean constitutes a living amends to loved ones.
Helping Others
If it were not for those who have time in recovery making themselves available to talk to and work with newcomers, a primary source of hope would be lost. Without newcomers to remind those with more recovery experience of the devastation still out there, the truth about addictive disease would be hidden. Successful recovery depends on continuing to make and maintain connections that support self-care behaviors.
References
- Cocaine Addiction: Treatment, Recovery, and Relapse Prevention"; Arnold Washton, Ph.D., 1991
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment
