Addictions
Narcotics and non-medical use of prescription drugs 
There are many people and organizations in
our culture who are trying very hard to make sure that addictions are
NOT seen as a disease or as the result of genetic or biological
predisposition. These people have a strong personal and social interest
in an entirely non-physiological model of addictive human behavior.
Their perspective of social problems is based primarily on a
philosophical orientation with a social perspective, heralding
socio-political correctness as its goal.
Throughout history, a great many people and
institutions have tried to help alcoholics and addicts. Currently, there
are thousands of different programs in the United States trying to help
those people who have a social or personal problem with drugs or
alcohol. Yet, the success rate for these programs is extraordinarily low
considering the effort and investment made. Today, drug treatment and
rehabilitation centers are typically operating on the belief that social
or philosophical factors are causing the addictive behavior, and that if
we could change an addict's belief system, or his social support
structure we could end his addictive behavior. And yet, the success an
individual attains, typically doesn't last as long as the treatment.
This superficial view comes from our social
orientation which maintains that addiction is the result of bad personal
choices, weak character, and anti-social or irreligious behaviors. Yet,
successful recovery programs prove that addiction is a neurologically
based disease. Accepting this should be one of the first steps in any
recovery program. If the problems you suffer stem from severe alcoholism
or addiction, you must accept that these problems are not primarily
mental or free will issues.
Addictions are not about will power. The
problems facing addicts, alcoholics, and their families are miserable,
disgusting, and infuriating. They are often hopelessly discouraging. But
to imagine that an addict "could change if he wanted to" is a serious
misunderstanding of the long term dynamic of addictive disorder. The
reason addicts have lost control is because they have suffered permanent
physical neurological changes based in their brains and nervous systems.
The disorder manifests in long term obsessive-compulsive behaviors
outside the realm of the addicts own control. It is true enough that the
use of chemicals begins with chosen behavior. But if alcoholism or
addiction develops, the problem has moved outside the realm of free
choice. It has developed into a long term mental and
physical neurological disorder.
Addiction is based in physical dependency
created by altered neurotransmitter balances, and driven by millions
upon millions of new living, functioning active neurological pathways
which have been established to sustain the condition in the addicts
brain. The new neurological pathways are permanently established, and
they will not just disappear. At Healing Light Holistic Center we
believe in a comprehensive approach. Our recovery programs are designed
to address mental and physical aspects of addictions, helping our
clients to overcome their harmful addictions and finally gain control of
their lives.
Healing Light Holistic
Center