What is the definition of addiction or alcoholism?
Addiction (including alcoholism) is a complex mental disorder and it is defined in a number of ways.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a “treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences”.
The United States’ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) adds that addiction is “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain”.
According to NIDA, addiction is considered to be a complex brain disorder and mental illness that is caused by repeated misuse of substances.
Addicted individuals may have “distorted” thinking and behaviours notes the American Psychiatric Association on its website. “Changes in the brain’s structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors,” explains the Association. “Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavioural control.”
Benefit of early intervention
Most definitions of addiction describe the continued use of substances despite the ‘harmful consequences’ that this use causes. For high-functioning these consequences aren’t so severe – yet.
But addiction is a progressive illness and functionality will eventually slip away over time. It’s important for high-functioning addicts to identify they have a problem before the consequences become severe, tragic or even fatal.
Severe consequences include bankruptcy, involvement in crime, life-long legal or health problems and irreparably broken relationships. Any person with an addiction problem would benefit from avoiding such catastrophes.
Some evidence also shows that started treatment earlier in a person’s addiction can make the process of recovery easier and relapse less likely.
The idea that an addict has to reach ‘rock-bottom’ can also have unintended consequences. Rock-bottom is the level or crisis one encounters that is the last straw or catalyst for someone entering recovery, quitting using, getting help and changing their lives. Many people think of physical, financial and social ruin as rock-bottom. However emotional and spiritual bankruptcy can be a rock-bottom of a different nature.
While high-functioning addicts’ lives haven’t completely fallen apart, they may be experiencing emotional turmoil. Their loss might not be external but internal: The loss of authentic joy, hope or self-respect.
Changes changed my life. Thank you all! The support and care I received during my time there were incredible. I couldn't have done it without the amazing team at Changes. I am forever grateful.
★★★★★I am now 2 years, 10 months and 19 days clean and sober, thanks to Changes rehab. Some of the main points I was suggested to do were to play the movie through and live life for today.
★★★★★I have the utmost respect and gratitude for Changes and the entire team, from Sheryl all the way to Howard the cook and David the guard. It works if you work it. Thank you Changes team.
★★★★★My first interaction with Changes gave me peace of mind. I knew that they would help. Thank you for looking after my son so well. You made a world of difference, not only in his life but also mine.
★★★★★A phenomenal loving environment. Was well taken care off in my biological, psychological, social and spiritual healing. Got me to give the 12 steps a real shot and that changed everything.
★★★★★Compassionate. Understanding. Respectful. Motivational. Professional medical and counselling care. Complete education about addiction and the solution. Best family support system in South Africa!.
★★★★★If Amy W wanted to go to Rehab then it would have been Changes! I had no idea what rehabilitation and treatment was but when I arrived, I didn't realise how broken and in need of repair I was.
★★★★★Changes provided me with the structure and support I desperately needed. The staff’s professionalism and genuine care made all the difference. I’ve rediscovered myself and am embracing a new, sober life.
★★★★★Safe, confidential and thorough treatment helped me through a very difficult period in my life. Changes provided me with tools and skills to manage my illness and introduced me to a supportive network of people.
★★★★★I cannot thank Changes enough for all the support, help and encouragement they have given my son. From primary to secondary to the halfway house, he has been treated with respect and care throughout.
★★★★★Filled with love and rules, Changes will get you on the straight and narrow and help you find the real you. The structure and support they provide are truly life-changing, I am a very different person today.
★★★★★I came to Changes a complete wreck. Didn’t want to do anything about my drug addiction. I fought the system for as long as I could but eventually my mind was changed about what I had to do.
★★★★★This less tangible loss is as good a reason as any outward catastrophe to look for help and begin the rewarding process of recovery.
Stereotypes and stigma are barriers to high-functioning addicts. They prevent these individuals from admitting they have a problem and from getting help. Severe consequences of substance abuse can be prevented if functionality is placed before above all else when defining addiction.
Getting help earlier saves many people from some of the terrible consequences, disruptions to life and intense pain addiction causes. High functionality does not mean you are not an addict: You are simply an addict who hasn’t lost everything – yet. Everybody’s rock bottom is different, but any addict would prefer not to have lost everything before they got help and began their journey of recovery.
Addiction is a progressive illness and, over time, addicts and alcoholics lose more and more of their functionality. However, many people living with addiction are indistinguishable from the rest of the population. They may still be gainfully employed, live with their loved ones and own all of their worldly possessions. Their children might be provided for and go to the best schools or they might have an active social life. Addicts exist on a wide spectrum of functionality and many fit the classification of ‘high-functioning’ addicts or alcoholics.
High-functioning addicts are still able to manage most or all of their day-to-day activities and responsibilities. These chemically dependent persons may be extremely successful in their careers and are often incredibly skilled at hiding the true extent of their drug use or drinking, even from their closest loved ones – for a time, at least.
The stereotypical idea of what an addict or alcoholic looks like is not only wrong, it is damaging. Many people with addiction problems do not seek help or consider going to treatment because they cannot reconcile the stereotypical definition of addiction with themselves and their life circumstances: They are not “like that” or they are not “that bad”.
This often has tragic consequences: People often don’t get help until it’s too late.
There is always help and there is always hope and help available. Changes Rehab Johannesburg is here to guide and support you through each step.
- Rehab Services including Assessments, Detox and Costs Of Treatment
- Private Rehab Facilities including Residential Inpatient, Long-Term Rehabs and Sober Living
- Counselling including Family Support, Outpatient and Dual Diagnoses
- Treatment Phases including Relapse Prevention, Aftercare and Stepwork