The Road to Recovery

The NIAA (2008) reports that more than 115 million Americans utilize alcohol consistently and at least fourteen-million Americans either struggle with alcoholism or have serious alcohol-related problems (Kolp, 2008). In addition, countless people suffer from abusing drugs including both illicit drugs and legal substances. It is estimated that nineteen and a half- million Americans are illicit drug users (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Although there are successful outcomes of treatment for people in recovery, the treatment costs of addiction are high while the recovery outcomes are low, with the average one-year alcohol recovery rates for most predictable treatment methods are twenty-five percent or lower, and unfortunately the drug addiction recovery rates at an even lower level (Kolp, 2008).

It is very important to understand the chemically dependent and abusing population in recovery in order to provide an effective healing atmosphere. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seventeen percent of the U.S. population eighteen years and older will develop substance abuse problems at some point in their life (Schuckit et al., 1991). The American Psychiatric Association (2000) indicates that the percentage of drug abusers is three to four times higher in males, with teens or young adults being the age of onset. In a study of past-month, illicit drug use among persons aged twelve and older by race and ethnicity, it was found that American Indian/Alaska natives showed the greatest amount of drug abuse. Hispanic Americans followed them and Asian Americans showed the least amount of drug use (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1991).

The DSM-IV defines substance abuse as a pattern of the continuous use of a substance lasting twelve months, ultimately impairing the person’s normal functioning in society. This impairment may involve the depleting of social relationships, loss of job, legal problems, and other similar social problems. Thus, substance use becomes substance abuse when the use of a substance notably interferes with the functions of everyday life (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The DSM-IV shows another category of substance related disorders called substance dependence. Substance dependence surpasses the twelve-month period of usage and includes psychological and physical harm to the user. To diagnose substance dependence, one must be unable to control their substance use, they must allocate considerable amounts of time actively obtaining the substance (even if it means missing work), and they must show signs of intolerance and withdrawal (American Psychiatric Association).

According to NIDA (1991) six out of ten individuals who suffer from substance abuse also suffer from another mental illness. Furthermore, chemically dependent individuals are two to three times as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders (NIDA, 1991). By explaining some of the core symptoms of anxiety, it seems to elucidate the connection between substance abuse and anxiety. The DSM-IV includes irritability, sleep disturbances, impaired concentration, and agitation as the debilitating symptoms of anxiety. It’s no wonder that these individuals way to cope in life is through the use of mood altering substances with some of the short term effects of alcohol being euphoria, relaxation, and not being inhibited.  It seems as though substance use can be a quick fix to a more authentic, meaningful existence. Furthermore, this struggle for connection to expel prevalent feelings of isolation is very evident with this population. So, it is no wonder that many attempt to find their connections through others who abuse substances. This only furthers the authenticity of their existence.  

Treatment for chemical recovery should provide patients with a safe and trusting environment to explore the deeply ingrained issues of the human condition and to discover how apprehension related to life’s complexity urges individuals to lessen this anxiety through the use of mind-altering substances.

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