Understanding Addiction

Addiction Information Ancora Spero

“It’s your choice to take the drug. It’s not your choice as to how your body reacts to it.”

-Anonymous

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is clinically defined as a continuous repetition of behavior that can lead to adverse consequences. Compulsive alcohol and drug use can be a result of genetics, family history, childhood trauma, mental health disorders and negative environmental influences.

Because of prolonged exposure to drugs or alcohol, the brain is flooded with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of pleasure. The brain craves more of this reward so intensely that drugs become more important than food, water, health, family and career.

Over time, drugs change the way the brain functions, impairing the user’s ability to think clearly, make good decisions, control their impulses and feel good. The urge to use drugs is so overpowering that the user may deny the problem in despite obvious consequences and hurt those they care about most to justify maintaining their addiction.

Once addicted, using drugs is no longer a choice but a compulsion that the addict cannot resist no matter how desperately they try. They are powerless over addiction and must look to God to restore them to health.

Until those in affliction with addiction connect with God and find healthy ways to heal and recover, the addiction will continue to be in control. Faith-based recovery has proven to be the most effective means coping with issues, re-establishing relationships, renewing minds, and restoring a relationship with their heavenly Father.

Disease or Not Disease?

When this question of Disease or Not Disease is finally understood, healing and recovery for a lifetime becomes reality. Please follow the logical progression of thought:

  1. The word “DISEASE” broken down is “DIS” meaning “Not At” and “EASE” means harmony or comfort. “Not At” “Ease” can happen physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
  2. Therefore, due to pain, hurt, or loss, there is a part of us, that is “Not At” “Ease.”
  3. Let us use physical pain for example. Due to a knee injury, broken limb, or major surgery, a prescription (An Opioid) is offered to take away the pain while recovering. This gateway path has led 80% of those currently addicted to painkillers and heroin.
  4. The further relief from pain or any other kind of pain leads to continued use and dependency on those drugs or substances. Thus creating an “addictive” behavior.
  5. In other words, the “Disease” is the pain, hurt, or loss in one or more areas of our self; physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual.
    The addiction (behavior) brings relief to that pain, hurt, or loss through alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling, over work, shopping, etc. over a long period of time until it negatively effects one’s own health, as well as those around them.
  6. The “good news” is that recognition of an addictive behavior is indication that there is a pain, hurt, or loss that needs attention and help.

How To Get Help

Detoxification & Recovery

Individuals who are addicted to chemical substances and alcohol need to undergo detoxification. Cleansing of the toxins is necessary for the person’s brain and body to heal and think clearly. Then they are in a better position to work with those providing services in developing a new way of thinking, behavioral strategies, and skills on the road to full recovery.

Continuous Support

Individuals in recovery must have continuous support available to them to help them sustain their sobriety and recovery. There is much evidence showing that immediate connection to support, groups, and relationships provides a more successful path to long-term recovery.

  • 12 Step Programs
  • Support Groups
  • Faith-Based Programs
  • Mentoring or Coaching Programs

Something To Remember

  • Millions of Americans are living a life of recovery & freedom from addiction every day.
  • Addiction can be an affliction of the past. It does not determine your future.
  • The longer a person can abstain from alcohol or drugs, the greater the chances for recovery and freedom.
  • The relapse rate drops to 15% after achieving abstinence for 4-5 years.

Act Now

Are you ready to get help? Whether if be for you, a loved one or friend- call Ancora Spero today. We can help you begin the road to your freedom or get the support you need if you are struggling with a loved one who is living in addiction.

Contact:
E-Mail: Contact@ancoraspero.org
(267) 500-2122