THE PROGRESSION AND RECOVERY OF THE CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT
Chemical dependency is a progressive disease, meaning that without help and treatment, the alcoholic or drug addict will move from the crucial phase to the chronic phase.
Crucial Phase
The chemical substance becomes an obsession.
There are occasional decisions not to drink or use the drug.
When one again “uses,” there are feelings of guilt.
As the dependence on the substance becomes greater, there may be memory blackouts.
The use of the substance increases.
Excuses to “use” become more frequent.
There is an increase in tolerance in the amount consumed.
There may be grandiose and aggressive behavior.
Efforts to control usage fail repeatedly.
Excessive blackouts become routine.
The user may attempt to disassociate with the “using” culture.
Without intervention, surreptitious substance use continues.
Family and “nonusing” friends are avoided.
As the usage becomes chronic, there is an increased dependency on the substance.
Chronic Phase
The addict exhibits a loss of ordinary willpower.
Though there may be vague spiritual desires to quit “using,” the addiction “wins.”
The addict exhibits tremors and begins “using” earlier and earlier in the day.
All alibis and excuses are exhausted.
Lengthy intoxications become more frequent and have a longer duration.
There is evident moral deterioration.
Usually there is persistent remorse.
Thinking becomes impaired.
There is a loss of other interests and relationships.
The addiction impacts work and family.
There is an obsession with the substance.
Often a paranoia surfaces.
There is a neglect of personal hygiene and healthy nutrition.
Behaviors During Treatment and Rehabilitation
A renewed appreciation for relationships
A renewed desire to again become healthy physically and spiritually, and a renewed interest in personal appearance
Clearer thinking
A decrease in rationalization of bad behavior
A willingness to accept and deal with consequences of poor choices and behavior
Healthier self-esteem and self-confidence