Do twelve step programs really work or are they just cults that force religion on you?
TWELVE STEP'S TO THE LIQUOR STORE.
Choice or Disease?
2006-07-19 18:04:25 · 15 answers · asked by Assmist 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Having worked in the field of detox and recovery I have come to believe that the term disease is a generic term that basically means a physical and mental addiction so strong that it manifests itself in the brain (which is why it can be traced in CAT scans) and seems overwhelming to anyone trapped in it. It can be thought of as a mental disorder, due to the fact that the mind believes that the substance is necessary for day to day living, just to survive, when in fact, that substance is killing them. They may know the dangers, but they can't overcome the mindset that the drugs or alcohol is absolutely essential for them to get by. In that respect, it is a disease. The good news is, that it is one that someone, with help and training, and the complete desire to do so, can CHOOSE to recover from. For those people, a 12 step program becomes a life line. True it may become another addiction, but it is arguably better to drink coffee and talk with fellow recovering people than killing yourself with drugs or alcohol. The fact that you can choose to recover makes people believe that it is not a disease, which in the traditional sense of the term, it is not. But it is a disorder that can be treated. No one can recover though unless they choose to do so, and that is the bottom line.
2006-07-19 18:30:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is called a disease because it is treatable. With the attitude you
have nothing will work. Twelve Step Programs are not religious
programs but they are spiritually based. Big difference!
It can start out by choice but it is not a choice after they become addicted to any substance. Yes twelve step programs will work,
but only if you work them.
2006-07-19 18:26:06 · answer #2 · answered by early bird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe some of us are genetically susceptible to the disease. I firmly believe in the twelve step program as a way of life for everyone. It isn't affiliated with any religion. Sometimes it works some times doesn't. The only one who can change you is you. You have to want to change. Been there, done that and am very happy where I am now.
2006-07-19 18:37:20 · answer #3 · answered by tenaciousgal8 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some human beings are predisposed to addictive behaviours. you'll listen the time period "addictive personality". those with addictive personalities can get overly fixated on something from drugs to pastimes (it is tremendous to have pastimes yet there's a aspect of moderation in each little thing). in case you're taking someone with a marginally addictive personality, even if or not they comprehend that they have this trait or no longer, and also you introduce drugs or alcohol, they're a lot extra likely to make a habit and therefore develop into addicted than someone who has a severe resilience to this stuff. some human beings can do cocaine once a year on their weekend getaway with their associates and not in any respect care at the same time as their next time is. Others attempt it once and right now discover themselves pining for it daily.
2016-11-06 20:59:36 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To my knowledge, nobody is forced to start taking drugs regularly in any form... nicotine, alcohol, weed, etc...
you dont get addicted from trying something once. its repeated use that causes it, and therefore, it is a choice by definition.
Saying that you dont have a choice after you become addicted is ridiculous--it assumes that you had no idea you could become addicted to the substance, and thats just preposterous. the warnings are everywhere. you see people addicted and what happens to them. the government spouts off about it, teachers, parents, etc.
2006-07-19 18:08:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a choice. I will never understand addiction. I'm not addicted to anything. I smoked at one time and quit just like that... *snapping fingers*. I can drink and stop when I want. It's a choice.
2006-07-19 18:08:52 · answer #6 · answered by shoprchik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rush is just as much the criminal he called addicts before the world found out he was an addict. Unfortunately, he has enough money to buy himself out of jail by crying about his DISEASE. Now he goes to Mexico to get his supplies!!!!
2006-07-19 18:22:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disease that was developed from choosing the object of the addiction.
2006-07-19 18:08:27 · answer #8 · answered by Cookie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Starts as a choice and can end as a disease. Peace.
2006-07-19 18:07:30 · answer #9 · answered by wildrover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Addictions are choices that can become diseases over time.
2006-07-19 18:31:26 · answer #10 · answered by libertyu9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋