Drug addiction alcoholism treatment alcohol abuse

Addiction FAQ

• What is addiction?
• What are the symptoms of addiction?
• Why can’t alcoholics and drug addicts quit on their own?
• What is abstinence?
• Is complete abstinence really a reasonable goal?
• Why do some people become addicted, while others do not?
• Can you cure addiction?
• Who is your typical alcoholic or drug addict?
• Are drug addiction and alcoholism separate problems?
• Does addiction impact women differently?
• What are the personality traits of an alcoholic or drug addict?
• What are the personality traits of an adult child of an alcoholic?
• How does addiction impact the family?
• How can you increase your odds for success?
• Can I be fired for being an alcoholic or drug addict?

What is addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual who is addicted and to those around them. It’s also a progressive disease which means it will get worse if left untreated.

Addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions and at the same time send intense cravings to take drugs. It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop using drugs.

Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, addiction can be treated successfully. As with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal failure; rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated, adjusted, or alternate treatment is needed to help the individual regain stability and recover.

What are the symptoms of addiction?

The following are the most commonly identified symptoms of addiction:

• Craving: A strong need or compulsion to drink or use drugs
• Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking or drug use on any given occasion
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety occur when alcohol or drug use is stopped after a period of heavy use
• Tolerance: The need to use greater amounts of a substance over time in order to get “high”

Why can’t alcoholics and drug addicts quit on their own?

Nobody expects to become an addict. Every addictive substance — nicotine, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, amphetamines — affects the brain, so people who never wanted to become addicts start using a substance and then find it impossible to stop.

Addiction is not a voluntary behaviour. The addicted brain adapts to the presence of dopamine so addicts no longer feel okay, once addicted, without the drug. Because the brain has changed in fundamental and long-lasting ways, stopping is not simply a matter of willpower.

At Renascent, we employ highly trained counsellors who are in active recovery to help clients break through the denial and isolation that so often accompanies this disease. Treatment needs to be multi-faceted and tailored to meet the needs of individuals for sobriety to be lasting. Addicts need help to address a wide range of complex issues and they need to learn strategies to allow them to stay in recovery for a lifetime.

What is abstinence?

Whereas the goal in some types of treatment is to reduce or moderate drinking or drug use, the goal for abstinence-based treatment is the complete elimination of the use of addictive substances.

To successfully maintain abstinence, it’s important to understand that a drug is a drug is a drug. When a person practices abstinence he/she eliminates the intake of alcohol or any mood-altering drugs as one hit, drink or pill can trigger a relapse.

It doesn’t matter what the person used before treatment, all drugs and alcohol are off limits.  For example, a recovering cocaine addict cannot drink beer recreationally; a recovering alcoholic cannot smoke pot without consequences.

Is complete abstinence really a reasonable goal?

Yes. Given the choice to reduce drinking or eliminate it, it’s not surprising the addict sometimes chooses moderation. The problem is addicted people can’t moderate or, as Eric Clapton explains, “The idea of one drink for me is fascinating and fantastic. But it is also an impossibility because one is too many and a thousand isn’t enough.”  

Abstinence is the safest course of treatment for someone who is addicted. Abstinence, as Renascent’s outcome studies show, is possible for the majority of clients. Furthermore, quality of life (emotional health, relationships, job performance and health) improves with abstinence – just listen to any recovering addict tell their story. 

Why do some people become addicted, while others do not?

Scientists have identified biology (including genes), mental health, social environment, childhood trauma and even the age at which a person begins to use drugs as key factors that affect whether or not a drug or alcohol user becomes addicted. No single factor predicts the outcome of someone’s substance use.

Children of addicts are at greater risk of becoming addicts or marrying addicts. Genes therefore – in combination with environmental influences – contribute to a person’s vulnerability. Adolescents experience a double challenge. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier drug use begins, the more likely it is to progress to more serious abuse. Additionally, adolescents’ brains are still developing in the areas that govern decision-making, judgment, and self-control, they are especially prone to risk-taking behaviours.

Can you cure addiction?

No. Once you’re an addict, you’re always an addict. Addiction is a chronic condition so it’s a lifetime health issue. Similar to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, addiction can be managed successfully for a lifetime. Many think of addiction treatment and engagement in ongoing recovery support groups as a way putting the disease of addiction into “remission.”

Who is your typical alcoholic or drug addict?

They are people just like you. Addiction is commonly referred to as an ‘equal opportunity’ disease’ as it impacts men and women equally and it doesn’t discriminate based on age, culture, education or income.

Contrary to popular myth, most alcoholics and drug addicts are employed full-time so you can be high functioning and still be diagnosed as addicted.

Are drug addiction and alcoholism separate problems?

Not anymore. These days most addicts abuse drugs and alcohol together.

Does addiction impact women differently?

Women battle an ingrained stigma and stereotyping that ultimately acts a barrier to treatment.

Some studies indicate addiction develops more rapidly among women, though the progression of symptoms is similar. Women can have more complex mental health issues. Common psychological problems among women in treatment include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, suicide attempts, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and histories of physical and/or sexual abuse. Rates of these disorders are at least twice as high among addicted women as women among the general population.

Women who are pregnant or parenting and use substances face additional problems. Unborn children exposed to alcohol can develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Additionally, women entering treatment often have more complex childcare issues.

At Renascent, we understand how women face recovery. In Canada, Renascent has led the way in pioneering gender-specific treatment programs tailored to meet the unique needs of women addicted to alcohol and drugs. In fact, Renascent was the first treatment centre in Ontario to open a facility and program exclusively for women.

What are the personality traits of an alcoholic or drug addict?

Addicts tend to have an inflated image of themselves while holding a deep conviction of self-worthlessness. Alcoholics and drug addicts are often masters at justifying and rationalizing their actions. They sometimes feel like they don’t fit into society and as a result become isolated. While these personality traits exist in non-addicted people, they can be exaggerated and uncontrolled those with alcohol and drug problems – read more about these traits.

What are the personality traits of an adult child of an alcoholic?

If you have trouble knowing what is normal, finishing things you started or having
fun, it’s possible someone else’s substance use problem has affected you. Complete this quick quiz developed by Dr. Robert Ackerman and learn more about yourself.

How does addiction impact the family?

Addiction is a family disease. Families are profoundly affected by addiction and even though they may not be abusing drugs and alcohol, the presence of addiction in a family does change the way families think, feel and act. Everyone in a family experiences addiction differently. To cope, many spouses try to assert control over a situation that progressively gets more and more out of control; some children take on greater responsibility while others try not to be noticed.

Designed by one of the world’s leading experts on family and addiction, Dr. Robert Ackerman, Renascent Family Care is tailored to meet the distinct needs of children, parents, spouses and other family members affected by the disease of addiction.

How can you increase your odds for success?

Choose a treatment program like Renascent Complete Care, which offers structured relapse prevention and addresses the recovery needs of families. Find a recovery support group and stay actively involved. Make 12-step meetings a priority, get a sponsor, build a sober social network and apply recovery program principles to your daily living. Involve your family members in recovery support groups and activities. Remember, independent outcome studies demonstrate Renascent alumni who regularly attend 12-step meetings and work with a sponsor are twice as successful in staying sober.

Can I be fired for being an alcoholic or drug addict?

The short answer is no. Addiction is a disease and, as such, constitutes a disability under human rights legislation. An employer has a duty to accommodate to the point of undue hardship. However, once assessed as having an addiction problem, it is your responsibility to go to treatment, stay sober and comply with the terms of your return-to-work agreement.

In the case of mandatory referrals, Renascent’s Workplace Solutions program will support you and your employer throughout treatment, helping you return to work successfully.