Addiction

is considered a disease due to its chronic, progressive and potentially fatal nature. Like most other diseases, its progression is slow. Due to its subtle progression neither the addict nor those closest to him can detect it and it often remains a secret.

As a progressive disease, addiction passes through various phases. Initially, the drug or alcohol is used recreationally or may have been helpful in alleviating or coping with some form of pain. But as the disease progresses, the addict begins to experience a form of tolerance and over time requires more and more of the chemical in their body and increase in use.At this point, a physical and psychological dependency emerges.

Progressive loss of control is normally experienced by the addict in the middle stages of the disease; for example, an alcoholic may not be able to get through an entire day without his alcohol and may need a drink to overcome tremors. Manipulation slowly becomes a common tool applied by the addict or alcoholic who may lie about the degree of their chemical use and addiction. Tolerance increases and the drug or alcohol is now sought out to relieve the ache created by not using. Family and friends begin to notice changes and problematic signs that come as a result of this dependency. Job loss, financial problems, marital and legal problems can occur. The addict's behavior becomes more aggressive bordering on out of control, despite the addict believing otherwise.

Severe withdrawal symptoms characterize the last, or chronic, stages of the disease. Here the addict becomes physically ill whenever they attempt to keep off the chemical. Their body begins to degenerate, tissue injury is common and there exists a high likelihood of permanent damage to bodily organs such as the liver, lungs, brain digestive system and heart. The addict becomes totally fixated on devising ways of getting their hands on the chemical. This can be very stressful and psychological issues such as depression and paranoia arise. The addict stops thinking rationally, makes poor decisions and is hooked on getting high all the while denying their obvious problem and insisting they need no professional help. Unfortunately at this point the disease can be fatal and overdose, suicide or tragic accidents are not uncommon occurences.

Despite the gloomy outlook, with professional help, this disease can be put into remission.