San Diego Sober Living - Recovery

Do Addicts Recognize Their Own Addiction?

In the January 2022 issue of the Health Affairs journal, the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse wrote about the need to make addiction treatment more pragmatic. Dr. Nora Volkow is a research psychiatrist who has pointed out the continuing failures of the “War on Drugs.” She argues that the 100,000 overdose deaths reported in 2021 underscore an urgent need for reforming existing policies on substance abuse disorder (SUD). One of the arguments presented by Dr. Volkow focuses on the reality of SUD as a condition many patients aren’t aware of unless they succumb to severe chemical dependency. We’ll use some of Dr. Volkow’s observations to explain how and when some addicts realize their conditions.

Understanding the SUD Spectrum

Falling into SUD is easy, but nobody makes plans to fall into physiological or psychological addiction. As long as you derive enjoyment from the psychoactive effects, there will always be a high potential for continued and increased use. 

SUD isn’t monolithic. It’s more like a spectrum of mild, moderate, and severe conditions. Dr. Volkow has argued in favor of viewing the SUD spectrum as public health officials do in Canada, where the usage levels range from beneficial to lower-risk, higher-risk, and dependency. 

Mild SUD patients aren’t addicts. Although they shouldn’t downplay their conditions, they have a lower risk of becoming dependent. Moderate SUD patients are the most likely to worsen into severe SUD, and many of them aren’t aware of this risk. Severe SUD involves neurochemical dependency that requires recovery treatment. This end of the spectrum is where denial is more common.

Dealing with Deep-Rooted Denial

The demonization aspect of the “War on Drugs” is an issue Dr. Volkow cites as one of the most problematic in terms of public health. American society has grown comfortable with stigmatizing SUD at all levels of the spectrum, and this drives many patients to become experts at hiding their addictions. 

Not all SUD patients deny their conditions deviously. Many become habituated to downplaying things to the point that they reflexively deny having problems. In other words, their constant denial becomes a way of life, thus self-obscuring their addictions.

The First Steps of Admission & Surrender

In the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, addicts must begin by acknowledging they have a problem. The first step doesn’t mention addiction. Instead, it focuses on the negative impact of SUD and the resulting lack of control. The second step does mention addiction in the context of overcoming it through spirituality. The third step condenses the previous two, urging addicts to make a conscious decision to surrender. 

Many alcoholics who hesitantly enter AA don’t recognize their addictions until they work through the first steps. Dr. Volkow has a strong appreciation for the 12 steps, particularly the first three because they often help SUD patients make the right choice to enter treatment even if they don’t think they’re addicts.

Treatment as an Option that’s Always Available

No matter how addictions are confronted, they can always be treated. It doesn’t matter if patients with moderate to severe SUD don’t believe they’re neurochemically addicted. What’s truly important is that they get adequate treatment. At rehab facilities, such as those that provide Solana Beach men’s sober living, for example, not all residents have to go through neuroreceptor modulation therapy for severe dependency. Nonetheless, they get transitional treatment conducive to living without SUD. It’s more important to remember SUD is the cause of neurochemical dependency, so it needs to be treated accordingly.

Addiction impacts every aspect of physical and mental health, and it’s a serious problem that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, seek help from a medical professional or another person you trust to help you explore options for continuing support, such as a local treatment center. Solana Beach men who need help with forming new sober lifestyle habits can reach out to the dedicated team at Casa Pacifica Sober Living for the guidance they need. Give us a call today to learn how we can help.