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gressively worse unless treated. Fortunately, however, as stated earlier, this can be done.
What appears to happen when the disease of addiction strikes is that, contrary to other diseases, our family and friends notice it before we do.
The most obvious symptom is placing the bottle, the pill, or (as research increasingly indicates) gambling, sex, or spending above relationships with friends, the job, or the marriage. In the case of alcoholism or other chemical dependence, other symtoms may be not remembering what happened “the night before,” or being stopped for driving under the influence, or being urged by friends to drink less.
When it is suggested that we see a professional, we may vehemently deny that anything is wrong and often blame existing problems on others.
Does someone close to you have such symptoms? Do you, deep down within yourself, suspect that you are addicted?
Take heart. Recovery is possible. There are specialists within this very community who can lead you or your loved ones back to health. They can be located in the Yellow Pages or by asking for their names from your physician or community health board. In the White Pages at the very beginning can be found the numbers for AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous). They have no dues or fees and are dedicated completely and solely to one thing — your recovery.
Remember, there is no stigma attached to any illness. Anyone can become sick. If you are addicted, you are not a bad person trying to become good. You are a sick person trying to get well.
Your recovery is in your own hands.
Dr. Iadeluca is a licensed psychologist and a state-certified substance abuse counselor. He is with Counseling Associates in Warrenton.
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