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Chemical Dependancy...a disease not a choice
by Loriann Witte and James Warder

What's the first thing you think when you read or hear about someone getting arrested or being hospitalized because they were using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol? One of the most common reactions is, "It's their own damn fault. They should have known better."

This is an unfortunate reaction because, in a vast majority of cases, the person who is considered a substance abuser has little or no choice in the matter.

Make no mistake about it, substance abuse or chemical dependency, whatever term you happen to attach to it, is a disease. It is a disease just like any other disease in that it has characteristics and effects that allow us to recognize it when it is present. Additionally, this disease follows a predictable as well as progressive course, and it always gets worse if left untreated.

As a disease, chemical dependency is multiphasic. That is, it affects the person on all levels…physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Left untreated, the disease is 100% fatal 100% of the time. In fact many insurance company actuaries have estimated that an alcoholic who continues to drink has a life expectancy 10-15 years shorter than a non-alcoholic.

In most cases, the disease of chemical dependency is primary. Although it may be accompanied by other problems, the dependency is the primary problem. As such, treating the other problem first is generally ineffective. In fact, the chemical dependency may have caused the other problems.

The important thing to remember, however, is that the disease is not learned. Therefore, it cannot be unlearned. It never goes away. Just as cancer is not learned…just as the flu is not learned…chemical dependency is not learned. Obviously, nobody decides one day to have muscular dystrophy. So too nobody actually decides to become chemically dependent. In both cases, muscular dystrophy and chemical dependency, there are a wide variety of causal factors involved. Also, in both cases the victim has no choice in the matter.

Chemical dependency is not caused by a lack of willpower, weakness of character or some flaw in the person's basic morality. It is not a form of mental illness or the result of external influences such as marital problems or job stress. It is a disease!

Thus, it's really a matter of perception. Do you feel sympathy for someone suffering from one of the more "common" diseases and disdain toward someone suffering from chemical dependency? Actually, they both deserve your sympathy and support.

In fact, as medical science has found cures for so many of the "common" diseases, there is no real cure for chemical dependency. Although chemical dependency is treatable, it is not curable. Recovery from any chemical dependency is a process and a lifelong commitment. That's why you'll always hear someone say that they are a recovering alcoholic and not a recovered alcoholic. The recovery for anyone who is chemically dependent is a journey that will last the rest of their life.

Recovery brings hope. That is the important thing to remember. No matter what the substance or how long someone has been using, they need to be encouraged to seek recovery. As a recovery center located in Dana Point, CA, the Witts Inn provides a wide range of inpatient and out patient services to those in need. We provide counseling on a confidential basis to anyone who calls us at 949-443-0700 or 800-948-8736 or visit our web site at www.wittsinn.com.

© Copyright 2002 PLoriann Witte and James Warder. No unauthorized duplication without written consent.

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