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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DebG
Posted by Redhead
i think they are looking for an escape.
Some, yes...but not all and you can't group all alcholics and drug addicts into this one category.
We can get into rediculous arguments about it too...like the crack baby whose mother did crack the entire time they were in utero...did they make the first step too?
That is a totally different situation!
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Posted 3/12/06 10:06 AM  |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DebG
Posted by Redhead
i think they are looking for an escape.
Some, yes...but not all and you can't group all alcholics and drug addicts into this one category.
We can get into rediculous arguments about it too...like the crack baby whose mother did crack the entire time they were in utero...did they make the first step too?
Deb...that is different.
I am not talking about people who didn't have the choice...although a choice was in fact made by the mother...
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:07 AM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
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The cure IS worse!
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by Redhead
Posted by DebG
Posted by Redhead
i think they are looking for an escape.
Some, yes...but not all and you can't group all alcholics and drug addicts into this one category.
We can get into rediculous arguments about it too...like the crack baby whose mother did crack the entire time they were in utero...did they make the first step too?
Deb...that is different.
I am not talking about people who didn't have the choice...although a choice was in fact made by the mother...
Agh,it seems like it comes down to...lets punish the son for the sins of the father. I refuse to subscribe to that theory.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:08 AM |
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VirginiaDeb
Don't eat me, hippo!
Member since 5/05 9252 total posts
Name:
Deb
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
This is such a difficult arguement for me to really take a side with...
Part of me wants to say no, it's not a disease, it's a choice...
But, at the same time, it's one of those situations where i don't know if i can judge since i've, thankfully, never been in the situation of being so addicted to something that i can't/don't know how to stop.
I have two family members who are recovering alcoholics... i didn't know either of them while they were suffering, but I do know some of the circumstances that surrounded them.
One became an alcoholic after getting out of an abusive marriage where she had very little support from her family. She didn't know where to turn, she was viewed as being in the wrong for leaving, so she turned to alcohol.
Was it likely the best decision? Probably not, but who knows what was going on in her head after going through so much. She did get out of it, thankfully, but she had to work to stay away from it.
On the same token... Is Anorexia not a disease either? Why can't an anorexic just start eating again?
Bascially, I just don't know if it's a disease, a weakness, or what. But I just don't think you really know unless you are the person going through it.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:08 AM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
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The cure IS worse!
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
If its not a disease...how come when an addict stops it has such physical ramifications?
Have you ever watched someone go through DT's?
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:09 AM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
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Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
And to be honest...if it addictions aren't used as esapes from something....
What else are they used for?
My aunt was a drug and alcohol counselor for many many years....
Escape from whatever it is in their life that is hurtng them is in fact what keeps an addiction
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:09 AM |
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DebG
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The cure IS worse!
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by VirginiaDeb
On the same token... Is Anorexia not a disease either? Why can't an anorexic just start eating again?
exactly..if we start subscribing to that theory we are in big trouble.
Suicidal person just stop cutting yourself
Bipolar person just start controling your swings
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:12 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DebG
If its not a disease...how come when an addict stops it has such physical ramifications?
Have you ever watched someone go through DT's?
A lot of things have physical ramifications, that doesn't make it a disease. Drugs and alcohol effect your mind and body, no one is arguing that point.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:12 AM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
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Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DebG
Deb...that is different.
I am not talking about people who didn't have the choice...although a choice was in fact made by the mother...
Agh,it seems like it comes down to...lets punish the son for the sins of the father. I refuse to subscribe to that theory.
well if you are talking about crack addicted babies...well nobody is punishing anyone
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:12 AM |
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MsG
Should be working
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G
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Here is an agency, part of NIH, that focuses on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, it has some FAQ's.
NIAA
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:13 AM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DebG
Suicidal person just stop cutting yourself
Bipolar person just start controling your swings
you can't compare the two...
and both again aren't diseases...they are disorders...
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:13 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by Redhead
Posted by DebG
Deb...that is different.
I am not talking about people who didn't have the choice...although a choice was in fact made by the mother...
Agh,it seems like it comes down to...lets punish the son for the sins of the father. I refuse to subscribe to that theory.
well if you are talking about crack addicted babies...well nobody is punishing anyone
I don't think anyone is punishing anyone anyway... I just started by saying that if you tell an addict, it is a disease, where is his or her responsibility in that? Oh, I have a disease, it is not my fault, my choice, etc., when in fact, it can be controlled. You can't say that about many other diseases.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:14 AM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Deb.. can addiction be cured?
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:16 AM |
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nov04libride
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by MsG
Here is an agency, part of NIH, that focuses on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, it has some FAQ's.
NIAA
Good find! The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse gives us the answer....
Is Alcoholism a Disease?
Yes, alcoholism is a disease. The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic will continue to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems.
Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person's lifetime; it usually follows a predictable course; and it has symptoms. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:16 AM |
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VirginiaDeb
Don't eat me, hippo!
Member since 5/05 9252 total posts
Name:
Deb
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
"Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial."
Here's a link for futher explanation
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:16 AM |
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DebG
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The cure IS worse!
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DMcK
I don't think anyone is punishing anyone anyway... I just started by saying that if you tell an addict, it is a disease, where is his or her responsibility in that? Oh, I have a disease, it is not my fault, my choice, etc., when in fact, it can be controlled. You can't say that about many other diseases.
By that theory is lunch cancer (when caused by smoking) less a disease because it had a chance of being controlled?
I think regardless of how it started, people get to a point where they are physically dependant on a substance...at that point is when I think its a disease.
People need help and understanding when they get to this point. It hurts me to sit and be judgemental at them rather then doing all I can do to help. This is a very personal subject to me and some of my loved ones. I am starting to go personal so I shall bid adieu to this thread.
good day ladies.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:17 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by MsG
Here is an agency, part of NIH, that focuses on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, it has some FAQ's.
NIAA
Good find! The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse gives us the answer....
Is Alcoholism a Disease?
Yes, alcoholism is a disease. The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic will continue to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems.
Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person's lifetime; it usually follows a predictable course; and it has symptoms. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.
And doctors used to tell you smoking was healthy...
I just don't buy it and nothing I am reading is convincing me. People may have a genetic predisposition but people have predispositions to so much. Ultimately, addicts have a choice.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:17 AM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by VirginiaDeb
"Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial."
Here's a link for futher explanation
interesting definition...
but when the above doesn't exist anymore...
are they cured?
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:18 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
Name:
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DebG
Posted by DMcK
I don't think anyone is punishing anyone anyway... I just started by saying that if you tell an addict, it is a disease, where is his or her responsibility in that? Oh, I have a disease, it is not my fault, my choice, etc., when in fact, it can be controlled. You can't say that about many other diseases.
By that theory is lunch cancer (when caused by smoking) less a disease because it had a chance of being controlled?
I think regardless of how it started, people get to a point where they are physically dependant on a substance...at that point is when I think its a disease.
People need help and understanding when they get to this point. It hurts me to sit and be judgemental at them rather then doing all I can do to help. This is a very personal subject to me and some of my loved ones. I am starting to go personal so I shall bid adieu to this thread.
good day ladies.
Obviously, you have personal experience so you have your opinion and due to my own personal experiences, I have mine.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:18 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by Redhead
Deb.. can addiction be cured?
I wouldn't call it "cured," but I think alcoholics can be conditioned so that they do not turn to alcohol to satisfy their needs. Therapy must change the picture of alcohol satisfying all needs or it will not be effective. AA looks to replace that need with the picture of AA and that group belonging. AA believes the picture will never be gone, but may be moved to the back of the album. I think alcoholics need to find a replacement for the alcohol, and with AA it is the group sense of belonging in addition to a higher power that will help guide them through the recovery.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:19 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Is obesity a disease, or an excuse for fat people to eat more Krispy Kreme? I think with every disease we can somehow fault the person for bringing it upon themselves, and I think that makes the rest of us feel in control because we can just then say I won't let that happen to me, because I have that self control.
Message edited 3/12/2006 10:22:14 AM.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:20 AM |
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saraH
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I know that God exsists, I held her in my arms...
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
i think addiction is a disease and should be treated as such.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:20 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by nov04libride
Is obesity a disease, or an excuse for fat people to eat more Krispy Kreme?
Not all obese people are diseased, some make unhealthy life choices. My cousin lives in SC and was telling me that his obese MIL fries fat to eat. 
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:22 AM |
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Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by Redhead
Deb.. can addiction be cured?
I wouldn't call it "cured," but I think alcoholics can be conditioned so that they do not turn to alcohol to satisfy their needs. Therapy must change the picture of alcohol satisfying all needs or it will not be effective. AA looks to replace that need with the picture of AA and that group belonging. AA believes the picture will never be gone, but may be moved to the back of the album. I think alcoholics need to find a replacement for the alcohol, and with AA it is the group sense of belonging in addition to a higher power that will help guide them through the recovery.
EXACTLY
and i get that...truly.
But this is whyi see it more as a disorder rather than a disease....
i understand what everyone is saying. But i still am of the mindset that it is a behavior disorder.
but this is just MY opinion
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:22 AM |
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VirginiaDeb
Don't eat me, hippo!
Member since 5/05 9252 total posts
Name:
Deb
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Re: Drug addiction/Alcoholism - Disease?
Posted by DMcK
I don't think anyone is punishing anyone anyway... I just started by saying that if you tell an addict, it is a disease, where is his or her responsibility in that? Oh, I have a disease, it is not my fault, my choice, etc., when in fact, it can be controlled. You can't say that about many other diseases.
While not all diseases are any fault of the person with the disease, i believe that the choices people make, in some cases, lead to the manifestation of the disease.
If a person has skin cancer because they spent years in the sun, is that cancer not a disease?
Yes, it is a disease, but the choice that the person made helped manifest it.
At the same time, say me and a friend both spent the same amount of time in the sun. One of us may get the skin cancer, while the other doesn't. There are factors that nobody can see or predict.
So can a disease manifest from someone's choices? Yes, i believe so. And that person should take responsibility, but it's still a disease that needs to be overcome.
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| Posted 3/12/06 10:23 AM |
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