Alcoholism VS Addiction:What does everyone think?

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The monitoring program in my state has decided that alcoholics do not need to see an addictionist anymore. The program used to be that anyone who had a dependence diagnoses was required to see an addictionist.

I am interested to hear what everyone thinks about this since. Both AA and NA have the same 12 steps, so I am unsure what their rationale is.

Jack, if you read this, does the evidence indicate that the physiological changes in the brain are markedly different in an addict? If possible, please direct me research I can look at. In my recovery I attend much more AA than NA even though I am an addict.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.
The monitoring program in my state has decided that alcoholics do not need to see an addictionist anymore. The program used to be that anyone who had a dependence diagnoses was required to see an addictionist.

I am interested to hear what everyone thinks about this since. Both AA and NA have the same 12 steps, so I am unsure what their rationale is.

Jack, if you read this, does the evidence indicate that the physiological changes in the brain are markedly different in an addict? If possible, please direct me research I can look at. In my recovery I attend much more AA than NA even though I am an addict.

I go to NA and to me I can better relate to the NA program 12 steps.I also served on the BON peer assistance program. We tell our nurses either program must be attended, which ever is more comfortable to them

NA covers all addictions including alchohol. AA primarily covers alchohol. Those same 12 steps covers anything from food to sex. it is more of a social context between NA to AA

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

The pathophysiology is the same...just different ways of getting the same effect. The bottom line is mood altering substances (and some activities like gambling, sex, eating, etc.) in susceptible individuals cause a dopamine dump causing the mood alteration. It seems different forms of the gene play a role in determining which substances cause the biggest dopamine dump in the individual (the "drug of choice" phenomenon). This explains the concept of "cross addiction". It also explains why naltrexone can be effective in decreasing cravings in alcoholics. Read the book, "The Science of Addiction" by Carlton Erickson.

Jack

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Mona, you and I are in the same state's program, I think. I have an alcohol dependency diagnosis and haven't heard anything about not having to see an addictionist anymore....probably for all new intakes only.

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Thanks everyone for your comments. I just don't understand the rationale for not requring alcoholics to see an addictionist if the pathophysiology for the disease is the same.

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

Could very possibly be insurance generated. Some ding dong in the insurance industry has decided they must be different diseases. Maybe if the doc was called an "alcoholist" they would require them to be treated by them.

There are folks in recovery who don't get that it's the same disease. I've gone to AA meetings where they told me I should go to NA meetings if I'm an addict.

Frustrating for sure. As the research is disseminated more widely these notions will change. That's why it's important for those of us who DO understand the pathophysiology to share that knowledge.

Jack

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

An addictive personality is an addictive personality, IMHO. The addiction can be ETOH, drugs, sex, food, gambling---any pleasureable activity that the person pursues to the detriment of all other areas of his/her life. Although I personally would feel more comfortable going to AA rather than NA if I still needed to attend a 12-step program (sober >20 years, dual diagnosis of alcoholism and bipolar disorder), the principles of recovery are more or less the same: abstinence, taking responsibility, abstinence, making amends with those one has injured, abstinence, giving it all over to a higher authority.......and of course, abstinence. :)

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Specializes in Oncology.

Alcoholism is absolutely an addiction. It begins as a choice to drink then becomes far out of the control of the addict, they become physically and psychologically dependent. The very definition of addiction. Without it they become sick or cannot function, they need another fix to get by, and it can impair their health and affect their lives negatively. It is an addiction.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

Jack, It really makes me mad when "old-timers" in my AA meetings tell people who identify themselves as addicts that they don't belong at AA. ***** There's no difference between an alcoholic & an addict except what chemical they used. My chemical was alcohol but I have absolutely no problem with someone who used drugs being in a closed AA meeting. At least they are seeking help. Isn't that what it's all about?

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
Isn't that what it's all about?

Theoretically.

What's sad is health care professionals who don't know and understand the basics of the pathophysiology of this chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease of the brain. I'm willing to cut the non-professional some slack, not the licensed "professional". We have an ethical and professional standard to maintain our level of practice up to date.

Jack

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