THE DISEASE CONCEPT

MARC DIXON-SEAGER

(Dip Couns, NCAC, ADAP.)

SHIFT THINKING O Addiction was usually used to represent a

form of self imposed enslavement and for

many centuries, the widely held

assumption was that addiction was due to

a failure of will or weakness of character.

(Self-inflicted)

O The word addiction has existed in the

English language for centuries, coming

from the Latin word meaning

“to impose sentence” or “to give into slavery”.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (12 Step Programme)

O In 1951 Word Health Organization acknowledged addiction as serious medical problem.

O In 1956 American Medical Association declared addiction as a treatable illness.

O In 1965 the American Psychiatric Association begun to use the term “disease” to describe addiction

O In 1966 the American Medical Association followed.

Limitations to Will-Power O Even with the strongest will and best

intention not to use, despite the adverse consequences the addict uses anyway.

O Willpower (Cortical brain) which is a higher brain function.

O The emotional brain (above Reptilian brain) is the lower brain function and this is where the disease of addiction resides.

O It for this reason that attempting to control the disease through will power is doomed to fail, because the addict is trying to override a higher brain function with a lower brain function.

O It is for this reason the addict cannot stop using substances by sheer force of will alone.

Will-Power Continued

O Addiction is defined as a primary, chronic, progressive illness that if not treated can be fatal. (Jails, institutions and death)

O Addiction is a disease expressed in the form of compulsive behaviour.

O Defined as a loss of control which means the addict can never predict what will happen when they start using or drinking.

O Disease called DENIAL: only disease that will convince a person they do not have a problem and that everybody else is exaggerating.

Dis/ease o How does addiction feel (nervous,

anxious, general feeling of being uncomfortable…)

o The addict mind quickly focusses on

what we feel will make us feel better

o Sadly this is only a temporary solution to our dilemma (Dr. Feel Good)

o The real resolution lies in taking responsibility for ourselves and our actions.

NO BLAME DISEASE-(RESPONSIBILITY)

O Having the disease does not absolve the addict from his/her behaviour.

O The concept of the disease model rescues the addict, from the moral model where emphasis is on punishment.

O Substance dependant people need to be held accountable for their actions, and should not be able to hide behind a “disease "or use it as an excuse.

O AA/NA “We are not responsible for our disease but we are responsible for our recovery”

Primary Disease- often compared to Diabetes Type II

Natural Progression

Relapse

Time

Remission

(complete abstinence)

Progressive Disease The addiction will continue to accelerate if left untreated.

• Type of substance abuse • The amounts of substance used • The amount of money and crime involvement • Worsening of behaviour • Consequences

Admission to

treatment.

HEREDITARY DISEASE O Many scientific studies have documented

that addiction is among those diseases that

may be genetically transmitted.

O Latest research tells us that genes do not

doom one to become an addict, although

genetic characteristics may predispose

individuals more or less susceptible to

becoming addicted.

O Parents, trauma, environment factors are

not to blame for the disease, although they

can influence the progression and

severity of the illness.

SPIRITUAL DISEASE “Its all about me don’t you know” O Disease rooted in the spirit called ‘Self-Centeredness’ (Me ,myself and I)

O Self-centeredness tells us that we are totally alone as such we become insecure that we continually seek approval and acceptance from others.

O Spirituality represents the progressive death of self-centeredness

O Step 12 NA- We only keep what we have by giving it away.

Family Disease (Maladaptive Behaviour)

o Addiction is a disease that effects the family (Death by a thousand cuts).

o Addiction conditions the family to react or respond in a certain way.

o Families alter their behaviour and living circumstances to accommodate the addict or alcoholic.

o Families become accustomed to rescuing, enabling and protecting the addict/alcoholic from consequences of their actions.

o Family system starts justifying and excusing addicts behaviour. o Break in boundaries, loss of identity, and loss of ones own goals

and aspirations in life (Co-Dependency).

Disease of Reaction o Self-Centred thinking that stems from fear which

pushes the addict into reacting or over-reacting. o We feel threatened so we try and defend

ourselves, the first line of defence is attack. o Indulges addict in their resentments and fantasies

of revenge so we can have or feel a sense of control in powerless situations.

Recovery Fitness:

The ability to share one’s feelings and let them go.