COVER STORY: SCIENCE

What Addicts Need

Addiction isn't a weakness; it's an illness. Now vaccines and other new drugs may change the way we treat it.

By Jeneen Interlandi | NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Mar 3, 2008

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  • Posted By: MichaelX @ 03/05/2009 3:27:46 PM

    Addiction=$$$$$$. Our wonderful medical professions could not function without problems created by their own medications. Man made substances do more harm than good, or else why are there so many disclaimers in drug ads?
    Feel worse, and/or have other symptoms that require more treatment? What a shyster game.
    As was said above, people like drugs. It's the moderation of them that is an issue. How many heroin/cocain/meth addicts would start smoking just pot if legal? Most every one.

  • Posted By: tangledsynapses. @ 07/25/2008 6:50:41 PM



    ¨From a neurological viewpoint, addictions are the result of the brain chemistry dysfunction that came about as a result of unbalanced excitatory and inhibitory processing in the neurons. Neurons communicate with each other by firing electrical signals which are then translated into chemical signals called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitter of addiction is dopamine, which is designed to maintain pleasant mood states. When dopamine falls below acceptable levels this causes the individual to experience sensations of 'withdrawal' as it is called in the psychiatric field. Withdrawal charges the addict to find ways to increase dopamine levels perhaps by taking illegal substances to compensate for the shortfall. As the substance wears off a new cycle of withdrawal and addiction begins....¨ taken from the book tangledsynapses, by Ignacio Sanabria, Neuroscience researcher, www.tangledsynapses.com

    However, there is hope for the addicts, beside drug therapy, that in some cases is warranted, as the brain pleasure centers must, somehow be balanced again.

    The latest research points out that a GRUELING EXERCISE REGIME is the best therapy there is for addiction. The exact mechanism as to why exercise helps with brain chemistry dysfunction is under research, but it points out to the release of endorphins, adrenaline, among others, that in turn triggers the brain pleasure centers such as the LAPX axis, dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters to secrete the necessary chemical compounds to contribute to balance brain dysfunction.

    • Posted By: Enigmamcr @ 08/01/2008 9:10:20 PM

      Well very well thought out and backed by numerous psychiatric institutions and research centres , who gain funding for looking for complex answers to simple questions. Addiction is an ethical issue, not a medical one. People use drugs because they like them. This is illustrated by the famous philosopher / scientist Occam (Occam???s razor) The principle states that the explanation of any phenomenon should make as few assumptions as possible, eliminating those that make no difference in the observable predictions of the explanatory hypothesis or theory . Alternatively, put more simply the simplest explanation is normally the correct one.
      My own experience validates this. In 2006, I initiated a self-induced withdrawal off 195 mg methadone of which 150mg was in injectable form. I had been on this maintenance regime for 16 years and the dose and type of opiate prescribed altered over the years, the only consistency was the escalation of the prescription. In addition I smoked over half an ounce on cannabis and drank in excess of 12 bottles of strong larger a day. I did not reduce or taper off any of the named substances, this detox was done alone and without medical or family support. It is now over 22 months and I am still opiate free do not smoke cannabis, but drink socially on occasions. I hope to share this experience and the strategies employed, to give others the hope and belief that addiction is not a disease and the only power it has over you is the power you give it.

  • Posted By: Enigmamcr @ 07/21/2008 12:23:44 PM

    FORTITUDE RIGHTEOUSNESS CONVICTION

    The myth that addiction is a disease must be exposed for the lie
    That it is, along with the AA/NA , the private treatment centre???s and worse consultant Psychiatrists, who reject science which should be the very cornerstone of their treatment in favour of a pseudo religious fellowship, where their is no empirical evidence to prove any of the steps cement abstinence . This is supported by the fact that more zealous treatment centre???s are now escalating the myth for people who relapse by intensifying the program in manner that the addict is coerced into believing the relapse was their own fault for deviating or not accepting the program in its entirety.
    They indoctrinate vulnerable people with their virus like
    Propaganda, which enslaves people to a lifetime of nihilistic meetings where prophets of doom brainwash addicts and alcoholics into believing there is no other choice: which ultimately leads to the eroding of ones self-belief in ones own willpower. The decision to use is a conscious one so the decision to stop is a conscious one. It is as simple as that!
    Reverse the impetus. Put the same energy into not using as using. We all have a duty to stop this insidious coercion.
    Free people to live in contentment, in the knowledge that the only power that the addiction has over you is the power you give it
    Also of concern are the financial implications behind the motives of
    the so called all embracing we accept anyone into are fellowship. If an addict/alcoholic, cannot afford the scandalous costs of the private treatment clinics or worse cannot continue to fund the ongoing fee???s, sympathetic words from staff such as keep going to meetings everyday, until financing is in place are the last thing addict/alcoholic needs to here after having their willpower eroded by those dreadful group sessions.
    Only Fortitude that gives one the resilience to go on even when conventional thinking says otherwise. Righteousness, which gives one the belief that despite being abandoned by everyone and losing everything of value gives one the belief to persevere. Conviction gives a person the courage to put their beliefs to the ultimate test and draw a line in the sand even at the cost of their own life.

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  • Posted By: anonymous_1 @ 07/15/2008 12:51:51 PM

    I am a 22 year old female living in California.I have been addicted to synthetic heroin (oxycontin) for 5 years on and off. Oxycontin has fast become an epidemic in affluent neighborhoods. (Due to it's ridiculously high prices.) I have seen many of my friends get hooked on methadone trying to get off of oxycontin just replacing one drug with another. Methadone isn't a cure by any means, but you can literally die trying to get off substances. (i.e. alcohol, heroin, oxycontin, etc. the physical withdrawals are absolutely horrendous and can most certainly lead to a relapse, once your body becomes unable to function without it. When I was 15 I started smoking weed,and drinking alcoholically, I went to outpatient rehab and stopped drinking. I continued to smoke pot, and started to take ecstasy, vicodins, zanex, snorting cocaine basically anything to get high, and eventually started taking oxycontin. I went to detox for ten days and then inpatient rehab for 30 days. I was clean to close to year and a half. Then all it took was one relapse and the ball was suddenly tumbling downhill again. If there was a drug that I could have taken when I was a teenager so that I would never of had to go through the pain and heartbreak of addiction. The pain, worry, and heartbreak that my family has had to endure because of me, you can bet I would have jumped at the chance. In my opinion from a young addict that has been addicted on some type of mood altering substance for almost half of my young life. I see both the positive and negative effects that these wonder drugs will eventually do and provide for addicts suffering worldwide. For anyone who this comment helped open your eyes at all god bless you and I hope that my perspective was able to help you realize addicts come from all walks of life. I am a beautiful young lady that comes from a wealthy family. I am not homeless, I pay my bills, go to work everyday. Often times people have such negative image of what a drug addict is. We do in fact have a disease and we all need help and support. Just like this article says pharmaceutical companies don't want to back these types of medications, because who it benefits, DRUGGIES. Is this the wrong mind set to have. Once we can change peoples stereotype of an addict, this is when we will make progress. A lot of rich and famous people are addicted to the fast lane, and fast living that comes along with that type of lifestyle. These celebrities (i.e. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, etc.) get applauded for checking into rehab the average joe gets berated. It is definetly time for a CHANGE!!!! I'm out.

  • Posted By: anonymous_1 @ 07/15/2008 12:51:08 PM

    I am a 22 year old female living in California.I have been addicted to synthetic heroin (oxycontin) for 5 years on and off. Oxycontin has fast become an epidemic in affluent neighborhoods. (Due to it's ridiculously high prices.) I have seen many of my friends get hooked on methadone trying to get off of oxycontin just replacing one drug with another. Methadone isn't a cure by any means, but you can literally die trying to get off substances. (i.e. alcohol, heroin, oxycontin, etc. the physical withdrawals are absolutely horrendous and can most certainly lead to a relapse, once your body becomes unable to function without it. When I was 15 I started smoking weed,and drinking alcoholically, I went to outpatient rehab and stopped drinking. I continued to smoke pot, and started to take ecstasy, vicodins, zanex, snorting cocaine basically anything to get high, and eventually started taking oxycontin. I went to detox for ten days and then inpatient rehab for 30 days. I was clean to close to year and a half. Then all it took was one relapse and the ball was suddenly tumbling downhill again. If there was a drug that I could have taken when I was a teenager so that I would never of had to go through the pain and heartbreak of addiction. The pain, worry, and heartbreak that my family has had to endure because of me, you can bet I would have jumped at the chance. In my opinion from a young addict that has been addicted on some type of mood altering substance for almost half of my young life. I see both the positive and negative effects that these wonder drugs will eventually do and provide for addicts suffering worldwide. For anyone who this comment helped open your eyes at all god bless you and I hope that my perspective was able to help you realize addicts come from all walks of life. I am a beautiful young lady that comes from a wealthy family. I am not homeless, I pay my bills, go to work everyday. Often times people have such negative image of what a drug addict is. We do in fact have a disease and we all need help and support. Just like this article says pharmaceutical companies don't want to back these types of medications, because who it benefits, DRUGGIES. Is this the wrong mind set to have. Once we can change peoples stereotype of an addict, this is when we will make progress. A lot of rich and famous people are addicted to the fast lane, and fast living that comes along with that type of lifestyle. These celebrities (i.e. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, etc.) get applauded for checking into rehab the average joe gets berated. It is definetly time for a CHANGE!!!! I'm out.

  • Posted By: Sunny Gay @ 07/15/2008 8:07:14 AM

    Interesting Article. I have had to deal with addiction and still do. I disagree with those who think they don't have a choice to continue their behaviour. I EMPATHISE with you, I really can and do!!! That said,I have found replacing the addiction with something else positive ,healthy,exciting and worthwhile has changed my life and outlook. I can honestly say I am happy and whole these days. I want to give some one hope!!

  • Posted By: jenbseattle @ 05/13/2008 11:22:19 AM

    The article says what addicts need. HA!!! A chemical solution to a spiritual problem? A pill to fix a drug addict? The word oxymoron comes to mind. Aren't there enough ways for drug companies to make money already? How about a cure for HIV or Diabetes or Cancer, wouldn't that be a better pill? What about a vaccine against being a serial killer? That is almost as ridiculous as a drug to stop using drugs.

    • Posted By: cokybair @ 07/14/2008 3:48:08 PM

      You have obviously never had to deal with addiction! Its not a spiritual problem. it is a disease and unless you have been there or have had a loved one there you can not understand. Maybe before you go giving your opinions you should make sure you know what you are talking about. Do you have a medical degree? Didn't think so!

  • Posted By: soberfortoday @ 06/26/2008 10:30:20 AM

    For those of you who seem so disgusted by the idea that addiction is an illness may I suggest that you re-read the article and note that it was classified as such in the 1950's on the back of arguments outlining symptoms, effects, and cures. It is currently classified as one of three primary families of mental disorder.

  • Posted By: linniepoo @ 03/22/2008 6:49:46 PM

    This is a bunch of malarchy. Addictions are not illnesses. Cancer is an illness. Diabetes is an illness. Muscular Dystraphy is an illness. Addiction is a choice. Why do I feel I can say this with such strength? Because I am an ex addict. It was not any type of illness it was just a choice that I made every day. I am so sick and tired of hearing everyone feel so sorry for addicts. Quit feeling sorry for them and make them be accountable for what they do and who they are. I believe whole heartedly in helping because that is exactly what my husband and I do. But stop treating them like they have some type of disease. Say it like it is, they are addicts because they choose to be addicts. Drugs are not going to help druggies!!!!!!!

    • Posted By: mjkittredge @ 05/10/2008 11:45:04 PM

      Linniepoo, I agree with what you are saying. The Illness myth is one created to try and prop up & expand the treatment industry which is making lots of money. Also to give people addicted to substances a line to use, so they can play helpless and not take responsibility for their choices. "I can't stop because it's an illness *glugglugglug*". Yeah, ok.

      • Posted By: soberfortoday @ 06/26/2008 10:25:14 AM

        Wow - quite amazing that you seem to feel that addicts and alcoholics have a choice to continue with their behaviour. I am one, and I can guarantee that neither me, nor any of my friends in recovery wanted to be where we were, or consciously chose to remain there. As it was therefore unconscious it can no longer be classified as a choice. Maybe do some research and drop your judgemental attitude?

  • Posted By: irshadkhan @ 05/30/2008 11:58:38 PM

    Hi am william patrick from california, am newer to this community. i really appreciate the informations which you provided in this community. i like to know some more valuable informations about this site Comprehensive resources for those looking for recovery from addiction.

  • Posted By: Balu Ravi @ 05/30/2008 11:30:43 PM

    Comprehensive resources for those looking for recovery from addiction.

  • Posted By: Balu Ravi @ 05/30/2008 11:29:16 PM

    Comprehensive resources for those looking for recovery from addiction.

  • Posted By: csolidum @ 05/14/2008 2:08:27 AM

    This is a comprehensive addiction portal focusing on topics of alcohol and drug abuse. http://www.alcoholaddiction.org

    user, alcoholism, alcoholic whatever it is, this is not good in our body . it damaged your brain and your body. being an alcoholic, we need to do something to prevent this alcohol bec. it won't do anything good in your body.

  • Posted By: mjkittredge @ 05/10/2008 11:38:50 PM

    People are saying it's an illness or disease because the treatment industry has beomce a multi-million dollar business. With those kind of profits, and all the new jobs, you can expect an industry to try to present the situation in a light that would make people want to continue to seek their services (or be court ordered to attend them). Even if they have to say things that aren't true, or make things up.

    Now there are new industries and treatment plans springing up to treat *gasp* sex 'addiction' and video game 'addiction'. What next, tv and soda addiction? SURE, if there is money in it! If you want to know the truth, follow the money, and the people willing to say or do anything in order to get it.

  • Posted By: sam5684 @ 05/07/2008 1:29:15 AM

    Many treatment programs are employed for the treatment of drug addicted patients. Most of the drug rehab centers employ <a href=http://www.drugrehabscenters.com/> individualized rehab treatment program</a> for each patient. This helps the patient to get the best possible treatment.
    http://www.drugrehabscenters.com/

  • Posted By: sam5684 @ 05/05/2008 3:44:25 AM

    Marijuana is the most harmful drug used by many people around the world. <a href=???http://www.drugrehabscenters.com/???> Marijuana</a> is available on a large scale as it is grown itself by many people in their fields. But due to law restrictions, its use is not permitted because of its addictive property.
    http://www.drugrehabscenters.com/

  • Posted By: sam5684 @ 05/05/2008 3:44:17 AM

    Marijuana is the most harmful drug used by many people around the world. <a href=???http://www.drugrehabscenters.com/???> Marijuana</a> is available on a large scale as it is grown itself by many people in their fields. But due to law restrictions, its use is not permitted because of its addictive property.
    http://www.drugrehabscenters.com/

  • Posted By: kaufmanc @ 03/26/2008 4:45:48 PM

    All I have to say is that it would be nice that something can help with the fight thats all. AA and other things help with this fight if it works thats one more thing to help us fight using to feel normal inside.
    And for the addicts that would pefer to white knuck it without AA or some sort of theropy I wish you the best of luck each day is going to be a long one.

  • Posted By: linniepoo @ 03/22/2008 6:48:44 PM

    This is a bunch of malarchy. Addictions are not illnesses. Cancer is an illness. Diabetes is an illness. Muscular Dystraphy is an illness. Addiction is a choice. Why do I feel I can say this with such strength? Because I am an ex addict. It was not any type of illness it was just a choice that I made every day. I am so sick and tired of hearing everyone feel so sorry for addicts. Quit feeling sorry for them and make them be accountable for what they do and who they are. I believe whole heartedly in helping because that is exactly what my husband and I do. But stop treating them like they have some type of disease. Say it like it is, they are addicts because they choose to be addicts. Drugs are not going to help druggies!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: jimmy san diego @ 03/19/2008 8:21:10 PM

    Can't conceive how medication could ever cure the spiritual malady component to addiction/alcoholism.
    I am a recovering px pill head too and tried many meds to treat my disease. Only a Power greater than myself could get me out of my selfish self enough to experientially realize that the serenity, joy and power I always sought could only be found deep down inside myself ... paradoxically through surrendering into this Power (for me and so many other prior active alcoholic drinkers/users I know). Medication, per my experience and education, has never brought someone into closer contact with this Power that is the only guaranteed solution I know and read about from all over the world. Besides, I believe in medication as means to a natural, self sustaining end. It has a major, good role in life, no doubt. For addicts and alcoholics, it will backfire at some point because you can't put spirituality into a pill. Mother nature is more powerful than synthetics, over time, systemically. Evidence is everywhere.

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