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May 25, 2006, 12:49 pm PDT
*Dr. Phil Prime Time Special: Escaping Addiction, Part 2
Quote From: the_indianFirst, I missed the show. So I can't say anything about their specific situation.
But I do want to comment about some of your statements, because a lot of people think this way! Rehabs don't "cure" addicts and alcoholics. What rehabs do is help us medically through our detox, educate us on the disease concept, and give us tools to maintain sobriety. The battle isn't over when someone leaves rehab -- the battle has just begun!
You mentioned people who go back to "the same situation". In one sense, this may be true. But a big part of rehab is learning how to avoid situations that are risky, and also what to do when those cravings start to hit. If someone chooses to ignore this, then yes, they have made a bad choice. But it's on them, not the rehab.
Also -- and this is the biggest misconception -- the disease model does NOT give people a free pass to blame their actions on addiction! In fact, a big part of recovery relates to taking full responsibility for all choices that have harmed others, and then making amends.
The reason the disease model is important is because alcoholism isn't caused by drinking too much. And the difference between an alcoholic and a non-alcoholic has nothing to do with how much they consume. It has to do with what happens to them when they consume. For an alcoholic, the body begins adapting to the alcohol from the very first sip.
When I said they go back to the same situation I ment they go back to their homes and their lives. Of course it would be foolish to go back to the whole bar scene, but if you have had friends for years, what are you going to do when you get out, lock the world out? And why do people keep insisting it is a "disease"? It is a CHOICE!!! When I was living as a drunk I chose to drink. A disease is an illness that is beyond your control; such as cancer, asthma, leukemia, etc. One chooses to take a drink. I have great respect for people who are able to get clean and sober, I know first hand how diffucult it can be and how hopeless you feel while you are still using. It is a good thing when someone with addictions can make and stick to the decision to get sober, but unless one gets out of the "it's a disease" mindset they will never be truly free.
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