Treating addiction as a disease

To the editor:

Addiction is a disease. Chemical imbalances involving the brain's neuro-receptors and synapses are recognized as causes of this disease. In addition, having a parent with this disease increases one's risk of developing it.

However, insight about what causes addiction is not a cure. Abstinence is essential, and the 12-step recovery program associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) has given thousands access to recovery. AA and NA fellowships offer support, understanding, and living examples of how others have achieved and maintained recovery. They also offer a spiritual approach to living that breaks the shell of isolation surrounding many alcoholics and addicts and allow them access to giving and receiving support to and from others seeking recovery. This spiritual approach helps recovering individuals form a close personal relationship with a higher power that empowers them to live one day at a time clean and sober.

Having more than 25 years of personal recovery and more than 36 years of working in the field of addiction, I know firsthand about the miracle of recovery. I have learned to view addiction like I view diabetes and relapse as I view a diabetic's failure to follow a prescribed diet. I have found such relapses may actually motivate both types of clients to begin their journey into lifelong recovery.

KATHRYN FARWELL, Ph. D., R.N.,

Certified Addictions Registered Nurse-Advanced Practice, Cape Girardeau, Mo.