ADDICTION IS A BRAIN DISEASE

ADDICTION IS A BRAIN DISEASE Drugs and alcohol stimulate a temporary, artificial feel-good sensation in the brain. However, chronic use over-stimulates the brain until it is unable to support itself with its own chemicals. Chronic use of drugs and alcohol interrupts the natural ebb and flow of the body s chemical production. This leads to depression, anxiety, inability to handle stress, intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and deeper addiction. THE REWARD PATHWAY OF THE BRAIN It is through our understanding of addiction as a brain disease that we can realize addiction is not a lack of will power, moral failing or character flaw. It is a disruption in the natural functioning of the brain and the body. In order to understand this further, we need to delve deeper into the physical root of addiction the brain. Addiction highjacks the reward pathway of the brain (limbic system) that controls our survival instincts. So, the power addiction can have over our lives is not surprising. THE BRAIN is about the size of a softball and is made of billions of nerve cells called neurons. No two neurons touch. Instead, they are separated by a space called a synapse. It is across this space that chemicals are released and caught so that the cells can communicate. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. When a neurotransmitter is released from a cell it travels across the synapse to a receptor site on another cell. Each neuron has many receptor sites. When a neurotransmitter enters a receptor site, it completes the message and can produce a feeling such as pleasure, happiness, sadness, alertness, or a sense of wellbeing. A neurotransmitter without a receptor is useless. The brain can also control the volume of messages by turning off different receptor sites at various times. PAGE 3

THE SCIENCE OF ADDICTION NEUROTRANSMITTERS The use of drugs or alcohol increases levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin (emotional stability, self confidence, pain tolerance), dopamine (good feelings, satisfaction, comfort, alertness), norepinephrine (arousal, energy, stimulation, mental focus), resulting in an artificial feel-good sensation. The brain s chemicals like serotonin, its natural anti-depressant, or GABA, its natural relaxant, regularly fluctuate to enable the body to sustain itself. This is most evident in the body s production of dopamine, which is the key neurotransmitter in the reward center of the brain that ensures the survival of all species. Dopamine plays an important role in our ability to handle stress, be motivated, and create an overall sense of well-being. When the brain s levels of dopamine are in natural flux, we experience survival instincts: the need to eat, reproduce, or be a part of a group. In fact, our motivation to do anything: to feel good, to experience a sense of well-being, is controlled by the healthy fluctuation of dopamine levels. As a way of regulating itself, the body will also deactivate dopamine receptors, so that we do not experience the need to eat or feel good all of the time. In doing this, the brain makes sure that the reward system that has enabled us to survive and evolve over millions of years is not disrupted. The use of drugs or alcohol raises the level of dopamine, creates the artificial sensation, and begins to confuse the brain into thinking that the action was Therapy treatments, such as Neurotransmitter Restoration (NTR), repair the damage done to the brain as a result of chronic use. Neurotransmitters are the brain s chemical messengers that tell it how to think and feel. positive and should be repeated. As drug or alcohol use becomes chronic, the receptor sites actually become damaged and the number of these neurotransmitters is reduced. Chronic use over-stimulates the receptors until they are damaged and unable to support themselves with their own chemicals. This interrupts the natural ebb and flow of the body s chemical production. Drugs or alcohol become the only mechanism for feeling good. The brain becomes accustomed to external stimulation of neurotransmitters and receptors. An individual then experiences a reward deficiency. This results in depression, anxiety, inability to handle stress, withdrawal symptoms, intense cravings, and deeper addiction. PAGE 4 Neurotransmitters Brain Cell

EFFECTS OF The First Step in CERTAIN DRUGS UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION Different drugs have different impacts: People In treating use drugs to the alter physical the way they form feel. of the disease first, the person is As a result, people become prepared addicted for to the a feeling, next phase of recovery. and they use whatever drug helps them achieve the feeling they desire. Anything that can manipulate the chemistry of the brain by elevating the brain s chemicals, and ultimately affect the levels of dopamine, can be used as a drug choice of abuse. There are several different areas of the brain that can be affected by 10 a variety days of drugs, and all drugs elevate the brain s Outpatient levels of dopamine. For example, stimulants, such as cocaine or nicotine, elevate the brain s levels of RECOVERY ExecuCare ARC implements an all natural Neurotransmitter Restoration treatment that detoxifies as it restores the brain s receptors and balances the brain s chemistry. Eliminates cravings Restores clarity of mind dopamine and norepinephrine. Any drug, both legal and illegal, Legal and illegal drugs can become addictive, both can be abused. physically and psychologically. In fact, prescription drugs are just as capable of causing addiction, but the danger is often masked by a doctor being the one to prescribe it. Natural state Alcohol Cocaine Opiates DRUG ALCOHOL AMPHETAMINES BENZODIAZEPINES OPIATES EFFECT ON BRAIN Alcohol s primary effect on the brain is as a sedative. Alcohol includes any number of intoxicating beverages, such as beer, wine, port, and liquor (vodka, gin, whiskey, etc.) SPECT scan illustrating negative effects of drugs on brain s activity 770.817.0711 www.execucarearc.com Amphetamines primary effect on the brain is as a stimulant. Amphetamines include methamphetamines (Crystal Meth), speed, cocaine and crack, but also prescribed drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin. Stimulants can also include drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy). Benzodiazepines or Benzos are often doctor-prescribed to reduce stress/anxiety, promote calmness/ relaxation/sleep, and as an anti-depressant. Benzos can include such drugs as Xanax, Valium, ProSom, and Klonopin. Opiates primary effects on the brain are euphoria and sedative. Opiates include drugs like heroine and morphine as well as drugs known as opioids or painkillers like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin. Even codeine (found in cough syrup) is an opiate. PAGE 5

QUICK GLANCE: UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION Get The Facts 1 of every 8 Americans has a problem with drugs or alcohol 27 Million Americans regularly use illicit drugs or are heavy drinkers 54 percent of substance abusers in need of treatment are employed 300 percent higher annual medical costs for individuals with untreated addictions!! Number 1 Cause of Annual Fatal Overdoses: Prescription Drugs SOME STATISTICS ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: Prescription painkillers have surpassed heroine and cocaine as the leading cause of fatal overdoses. According to specialists, addiction to prescription painkillers has become a largely unrecognized epidemic. Alcohol-related car accidents account for approximately 40,000 fatalities a year. Approximately 70 percent of alcohol and drug abusers are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs and on-the-job violence. According to health care professionals, chemical dependency to drugs or alcohol has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States. NUMBERS Number of addicts in U.S. in need of treatment 17 million Society s estimated annual substance abuse-related costs 250 billion dollars PAGE 6

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Common Signs of Substance Abuse: Repeatedly neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school because of drinking or drugs. Some examples of neglecting responsibilities are doing poorly in school or at work, neglecting kids or skipping out on commitments as a result of drug or alcohol use. Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite relationship problems its causing. An example is getting drunk with the guys even though your wife will be upset, or fighting with family because they dislike your use of drugs. Using drugs or alcohol in physically dangerous situations, such as drinking and driving, or mixing alcohol with prescription drugs. Repeated legal problems due to alcohol or drug use, such as being arrested for disorderly conduct or DUIs. Substance Abuse and Denial You or a loved one drastically underestimates how much you drink or use drugs. You or a loved one downplays the negative consequences of your drinking or drug use. You or a loved one complains that family and friends are exaggerating the problem. You or a loved one blames the drinking/drug-related problems on others, such as an unfair boss or demanding spouse. Do you have a drinking problem? You may if you... Can never stick to just one drink. Regularly drink more than you intend to. Feel guilty or ashamed about your drinking. Lie to others or attempt to hide your drinking habits. Have friends or family members who have expressed worry. Need to drink in order to relax or feel better. Ever black out or forget what you did while you were drinking. PAGE 7

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Ask Yourself: You have lost control over your drinking or drug use. You want to quit drinking or using drugs, but you cannot. You have given up other activities because of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol or drugs take up a great deal of your energy and focus. You drink or use drugs even though you know it is causing problems. Major Warning Signs and Symptoms of Substance Dependence Tolerance is the first major sign of substance dependence. The amount of drugs or alcohol needs to be increased in order to feel the same desired effects one did with smaller amounts is a sign of tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms are the second major warning sign of substance dependence. An individual experiences withdrawal symptoms when the body becomes accustomed to a substance, such as alcohol, and then it is taken away. A huge red flag is drinking or using drugs to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as a drink in the morning. Some withdrawal symptoms include: Anxiety, agitation, or jumpiness Shakiness or trembling Sweating and fever Nausea and vomiting Insomnia Depression Irritability Fatigue Loss of appetite Headache And in severe cases, may involve hallucinations, confusion, and seizures. ADDICTION MYTHS Myth #1 Myth #2 Myth #3 Myth #4 Myth #5 Myth #6 I can stop drinking or using drugs anytime I want to. My drinking and drug use is my problem. It only hurts me. I don t drink or use drugs everyday so I can t be addicted. I m not an addict because I have a job. Drinking is not a real addiction like drugs. Prescription drugs are safe to use because my doctor gave them to me. PAGE 8

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION? TAKE THE QUIZ: (Answer yes or no ) 1. Do you or a loved one feel the need to drink or use drugs before certain situations? 2. At bars or parties, do you or a loved one tend to drink or get higher than intended? 3. Have there been times when you or a loved one didn t remember what happened while they were drinking or using drugs? 4. Have friends or family ever told you or a loved one that they were concerned about the drug or alcohol use? 5. Do you or a loved one sneak alcohol or drugs, or hide drinking or drug use habits from others? 6. Do you or a loved one sometimes skip meals when drinking or using drugs? 7. Have you or a loved one been in a car accident or been arrested while under the influence of drugs or alcohol? 8. Do you or your loved one prefer to drink or use drugs alone? 9. Do friends and family ever threaten to leave due to alcohol or drug use? 10. Do you or a loved one drink or use drugs to get rid of the hangover the next morning? 11. Do you or a loved one drink or use drugs to escape worry or pressure? 12. Do you or a loved one drink or use drugs to build self-confidence? 13. Do you or a loved one think that drugs or alcohol helps one deal with loneliness, rejection or loss? 14. Do you or a loved one ever engage is risky behavior, such as unsafe sex, while under the influences of drugs or alcohol? RESULTS: If you answered yes to any of these questions, you or a loved one may be suffering from the disease of addiction. Signs of Addiction Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain. Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes. Unusual behavior such as extreme hyperactivity or excessive talkativeness. Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet. Change in overall attitude / personality with no other identifiable cause. Changes in friends: new hang-outs, avoidance of old crowd, new friends are drug users. Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before. Drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work. Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities. Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness. Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline. Bored, "I don't care" attitude. Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (everything's a hassle). Unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness. Violent temper or bizarre behavior. Unexplained silliness or giddiness. Paranoia -- suspiciousness. Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in. Secretive or suspicious behavior. Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents. Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police. Unexplained need for money; can't explain where money goes; stealing. Unusual effort to cover arms, legs. Change in personal grooming habits. Possession of drug paraphernalia. PAGE 9

WHAT IS ENABLING? Enabling creates an environment in which the addict can comfortably continue to engage in negative and risky behavior without consequence. Enabling is a behavior that a loved one has learned to do for emotional survival. To decipher, helping is doing something for someone that he or she is incapable of doing; enabling is doing things that he or she could, and should be doing. Often times, the help that family and friends think they are offering to an addict, is actually making it easier for the progression of the disease to continue. An addict can continue to use, knowing that somebody will be there to rescue him or her from mistakes. This also makes denial easier for an addict, because his or her problems are being solved by those around. It is when an addict is forced to face the consequences of his or her actions that the realization of a problem is possible. In fact, enabling can actually prevent the addicted person from experiencing the reality of their disease. Enabling is behavior that family and friends demonstrate as a way to calm their own anxiety and feeling responsible and pressured to do something to help. Along with most people s misunderstanding of addiction, this combination of feelings often lead to enabling. Enabling prevents family and friends from realizing that their loved one s addiction, though it deeply effects them, is their loved one s issue. The family member actually has other issues that need addressing. Enabling is a learned behavior that can be replaced with a healthier response to a loved one s illness. With that said, the choices that often need to be made by friends and family are not easy choices. However, addiction affects an entire family, not just the addict. Healthy boundaries and detachment with love choices need to be made in order for a loved one to finally seek help. Often the assistance and support of professionals is necessary. PAGE 10

WHAT IS ENABLING? TAKE THE QUIZ: ARE YOU ENABLING AN ADDICT? Answer these questions yes or no : 1. Have you ever called in sick for the addict because he/she was too hungover to go to work or school? 7. Do you avoid talking about his/her use out of fear of the response? 8.Have you paid bills that he/she was supposed to pay? 14. 2. Have you finished a job or project that he/he failed to complete? 3. Do you ever make excuses for his/her consumption of addictive substance or behavior? 4.Have you ever lied to anyone to cover up for him/ her? 5. Have you bailed him/her out of jail or paid legal fees? 6.Have you accepted part of the blame for his/her consumption or behavior? 9.Have you loaned him/her money? 10.Have you given him or her any kind of financial support? 11.Have you tried using as well in hopes of strengthening the relationship? 12.Have you given him/her one more chance repeatedly? 13.Have you threatened to leave if he or she didn t stop using and then did not leave? RESULTS: If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have enabled a loved one to avoid the consequences of his/ her actions, and possibly furthering the progression of the disease of addiction. PAGE 11

WHAT IS CODEPENDENCY? UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION Codependency is when a loved one s feelings are dependent on or determined by the way the addict feels. Loved ones will use maladaptive strategies in their efforts to cope with the wide range of life stressors that accompanies addiction. Essentially, codependency is addiction to another individual; it is the compulsive need to attempt to control that part of their life that is out-of-control. Some characteristics of codependency include: Trouble realizing and communicating emotions Confused about roles and rules within personal and professional relationships Difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with others. Drastic fluctuations in trust and control within interpersonal relationships Constant need for approval and affirmation Avoids conflict Treatment for codependency often requires broadening and strengthening support systems, such as group therapy, while developing longterm coping strategies with a professional. PAGE 12

WHAT IS CODEPENDENCY? UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION TAKE THE CODEPENDENCY TEST (ANSWER YES OR NO): 1. I can accurately read other people by analyzing their facial expressions and tone of voice. 2. I try very hard to please people, but seldom feel I measure up. 3. I feel responsible for almost everybody and everything, and often feel guilty. 4.I am in a significant relationship with someone who is addicted to a substance. 5. I feel that I have to protect people, especially the addicted person. 6.I live in a way that no one could ever say is selfish. 7. I often relive situations and conversations to see if I can think of some way I could have done or spoken better. 8.I am terribly offended by personal criticism. 9.I avoid confrontation with angry people or those who disagree with me. 10.I tend to see all situations as all good or all bad. 11.Though I go out of my way to please people, I often feel isolated and alone. 12. I tend to trust people too much or not at all. 13. I often try to get those I love to change their attitudes and behavior. 14. I tend to believe the addicted person s promises, even though they have broken them before in the past. 15. I shift between having a lot of energy to help people to feeling drained, depressed and ambivalent. 16. I offer others advice even if it is not requested. 17. I sometimes will confuse love with pity, and find myself loving those who need someone to rescue them from their problems. 18. I believe my happiness depends on those who need me and their happiness. 19. My thoughts are often consumed with the troubles and needs of the addict. 20. A huge portion of my happiness depends on helping others fix their problems. A huge source for my sadness, is when I can t. RESULTS: If you answered yes to four or more of the questions, then you may be at risk or suffering from codependency. PAGE 13

WHAT IS DENIAL? Denial is a common defense mechanism that is often necessary for survival. It is an automatic response to avoid something uncomfortable. Denial stems from a fear of looking bad or having to give up a dependency we do not feel we can live without. We all live with a certain amount of denial that keeps our lives in balance. However, the denial that often accompanies addiction is taken to an extreme degree and becomes unhealthy when it acts as an obstacle to recovery. With addiction, denial becomes stronger and more rigid. It often blinds addicts to the fact that their dependence on drugs or alcohol is the cause of their problems. Denial allows addicts to pretend that their patterns of abuse are not destructive. This destructive progression is obvious to everyone except the addict. Denial is so powerful that addicts are often the last to recognize their disease. There are many reasons that denial exists within the disease of addiction. One is that most people do not like feeling helpless or out-ofcontrol, as a result addicts will blame everything and everyone except their own substance abuse for their problems. Another reason is that many addicts fear the unpleasant feelings they may have to confront once denial and their substance of abuse are stripped away. It is important to understand that an addict s denial may not follow a clear, linear path. He or she may be in denial at some times, and facing reality at others, this is especially true in the beginning stages of recovery. Denial may happen consciously like when an addict lies to cover up something; or it can happen unconsciously like when an addict truly believes that he or she does not have a problem. Denial may also be partially conscious, for example, an addict may admit that they drink more than is sensible, but still deny that it causes them any problems, when in fact many of the problems they experience result from their drinking. Denial cannot only be painful and frustrating for those who love and care for the addict, but denial can also extend to family and friends, who may be unable or unwilling to accept that their loved one suffers from the disease of addiction. PAGE 14

WHAT IS DENIAL? TAKE THE QUIZ: Answer these questions yes or no : 1. Have you ever called in sick for the addict because he/she was too hungover to go to work or school? 2. Have you finished a job or project that he/she failed to complete? 3. Do you ever make excuses for his/her consumption of addictive substance or behavior? 7. Do you avoid taking about his/her use out of fear of the response? 8.Have you paid bills that he/she was supposed to pay? 12.Have you threatened to leave if he or she didn t stop using and then did not leave? RESULTS: If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have enabled a loved one to avoid the consequences of his/ her actions, and possibly furthering the progression of the disease of addiction. 4.Have you ever lied to anyone to cover up for him/ her? 9.Have you loaned him/her money? 5. Have you bailed him/her out of jail or paid legal fees? 6.Have you accepted part of the blame for his/her consumption or behavior? 10.Have you tried using as well in hopes of strengthening the relationship? 11.Have you given him/her one more chance repeatedly? PAGE 15

CODEPENDENCY AND ENABLING: A FAMILY AFFAIR Codependency and enabling that exists between an addict and their loved ones, is one of the biggest issues standing in the way of getting people into treatment and keeping them in recovery. As we mentioned before, examples would be like covering up bad behavior, or making excuses and not allowing them to suffer the consequences of their actions. You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can refuse to support it. Though often unrealized, addiction is usually a family affair with each member incorporating one or more stereotypical roles in support of the problem. These roles are often classified as: the addict, the hero, the mascot, the lost child, the scapegoat, and the caretaker (enabler). In understanding what each role entails, we can begin to understand how and why these roles lead to enabling and codependency. In doing so, we can take the necessary steps to overcome these roles and begin family recovery. The Addict. This person is the one suffering from the disease of addiction. The nucleus world revolves around this person, who becomes the center. All other roles are unconsciously defined in relation to this person and in an effort to complete necessary balance once the problem of addiction has been introduced. Though the key to addiction recovery, the addict is not necessarily the most important in family recovery. The Hero. The Hero is a perfectionist with underlying feelings of fear, guilt and shame. It is their role to make sure the family remains looking good and that everything is presented in a positive manner. They ignore the problem of addiction as well as the roles of the family. This person will play a crucial role in recovery if they can overcome this role. The Mascot. With underlying feelings of embarrassment, shame and anger, the Mascot s role is more a jester of sorts. Their inappropriate jokes and sarcastic quips about those involved offer a distracting humor. However, it is often harmful and hinders recovery efforts. The Lost Child. This role is characterized by the one who is silent or most notably out of the way. They tend to be quiet, reserved, overtly selfless, and overly cautious in avoiding problems. With underlying feelings of guilt, loneliness, neglect, and anger, the lost child avoids any conversation regarding addiction, alcohol, drugs, recovery or family roles. PAGE 16

CODEPENDENCY AND ENABLING: A FAMILY AFFAIR The Scapegoat. The main objective of the scapegoat is to draw any and all attention away from the problem of addiction. They will often act out or rebel in front of others as a diversion tactic to mask underlying feelings of shame, guilt, and emptiness. The Caretaker (Enabler). This caretaker, with underlying feelings of inadequacy, fear and helplessness, allow for the other roles to exist. The caretaker may never mention addiction recovery, therapy or other forms of help. They will attempt to keep everyone happy and the family in balance. They make excuses for inappropriate behavior and actions. To the outside world, they present a situation without problems. A family void of the issue. These roles within a family become ingrained in individuals, and in return, the individual becomes dependent on the role. It is through overcoming these roles that family members are able to overcome the issues. While overcoming addiction to a specific substance is important for the addict, the key to family recovery is removing these underlying roles. According to DrugFree.org, the degree to which a family is affected by substance abuse depends on more than one component. Some determining factors are: how long they ve lived with the substance abuse; how advanced the disease is; how much secrecy and shame surround the addiction; and the roles and responsibilities of the person with the disease. It is when the disease is left untreated that family members develop destructive behaviors of their own, such as denial, enabling, and co-dependency. Because often these behaviors become routine, it is difficult for the family members to see how unhealthy they are and how they contribute to the problem of substance abuse. PAGE 17

INTERVENTION How does an Intervention Work? An intervention does the following: Provides specific examples of destructive behaviors and their impact on the addicted person and loved ones. Offers a prearranged treatment plan. Clearly addresses the actions each individual will take if the addict refuses to accept treatment. An intervention professional can assist family and friends with the following steps: Planning the intervention Gathering information about the extent of the loved one s problem, researching the condition, and finding treatment programs. Forming an intervention team. Deciding on specific consequences. Writing down what to effectively say. Arranging the meeting. Follow-up involvement in recovery. UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION Intervention: Helping a Loved One Overcome Addiction Most people think that an intervention can only take place when an addict hits rock bottom. This is a common misperception. The problem with this thinking is that as the addicted individual plunges toward his/her bottom, so does the family, friends and coworkers needlessly. An intervention establishes an immediate rock bottom and provides a roadmap of relief for all involved. In an intervention the addicted person is presented with the realities of their situation in a kind, compassionate manner. This presentation is commonly done in a group setting. Staging a well-planned, formal intervention can be an effective way to help a loved one recognize the impact of their behavior and can motivate them to seek help for their addiction. It is important to seek professional help in staging an intervention, as individual efforts to address addiction issues are usually met with false promises and no results. PAGE 18

RECOVERY UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION You Don t Feel your way into Good Living, You live your way into Good Feeling. Finding the Right Treatment Option is Crucial for a Successful Recovery It is important to familiarize oneself with the treatment options available to decide what works best for an individual s needs. It is important when choosing a treatment to find the most comprehensive one. This often means combining more than one option, such Neurotransmitter Restoration and 12-Steps or individual counseling, to address the different components (physical, psychological, behavioral, social or spiritual) of addiction. NEUROTRANSMITTER RESTORATION (NTR) REHABILITATION CENTERS TRADITIONAL DETOX AA/NA/ALANON COUNSELING Ten-day, all natural, medical nutritional therapy. Administered intravenously. Safely detoxes and repairs damage in brain caused by chronic use. Addresses the physical form of the disease and better prepares an individual for the next stages of recovery. Thirty, sixty, or ninety-day, inpatient treatment centers that work daily with patients to address the psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual aspects of the disease. Whiteknuckle, locked-down facilities that take an individual off drugs or alcohol through controlled abstinence. Anonymous, group meetings that focus on sharing experiences among those in recovery. Based on the 12-Step Recovery model that focuses on the psychological, behavioral and spiritual components of the disease. Individual, group, family, or couple s therapy that includes meeting with a licensed professional to address the psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual aspects of addiction. PAGE 19

After Treatment: After a loved one has gone through treatment, it may take a few years for the family to rebuild and stabilize. Families that have struggled with addiction together are often strong families. This strength comes from their love and support for their loved one and their dedication to keeping the family together. Loving an addict takes a great deal of patience and hope. However, no family is born knowing how to effectively deal with addiction. These skills must be learned and practiced, often with the guided help of professionals. One of the biggest obstacles for families is the assumption that once they fix the problem of the addicted loved one, then everything will be fine. It is important to remember that although the addict is responsible UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION for their own recovery, the family is in this together. Addiction is an all-consuming disease that leaves relationships and the balance of everyday life in need of repair. Addiction can plague a family with strain, anxiety and mistrust, leaving the family unit as a whole in need of restoration. Because recovery from addiction is a family affair, it is crucial that the family actively engages in the recovery process in order to heal from the destructive impact of addiction. It is also important to reiterate that professional assistance is often needed to help the family acquire the skills necessary to move forward. It can seem like a long process, but addiction recovery that emphasizes the overall well-being of the family is worth it! Recovery: A Family Affair Ten Crucial Steps for a Family in Recovery: 1. Locate reliable information on addiction. 2. Learn how addiction affects both the addicted person and the family. There is negative fall out for all involved. 3. Come out of isolation and connect with community resources. Join a support group or do family counseling. 4. Learn communication skills that help like assertiveness or setting limits. 5. Stop dynamics that hinder healing like enabling, denial, or minimizing the problem. 6. Learn to detach with love and refocus energy on self and other family members. 7. Develop strategies for dealing with relapse and other setbacks (for example, anger or anxiety). 8. Seek special support for children. 9. Participate in individual or family activities that you enjoy. 10. Rediscover personal and family strengths that you share. PAGE 20

Understanding Addiction and Its Treatment Options is a compilation of the most current information about the disease of addiction for those seeking help. Mike Sanders is the founder of ExecuCare Addiction Recovery Center in Norcross, Georgia. In 2005, he sought treatment for his addictions with Neurotransmitter Restoration (NTR). In 2006, he opened the doors to ExecuCare ARC in hopes of making NTR more widely available and helping others who struggle with the disease of addiction.