Disease Concept

Chemical Dependency & The Disease Concept

Chemical Dependency- the “Disease Model”

  1. Addiction is a medical and a psycho-social disease.
  2. The patient is SICK not BAD.
  3. Patients have lost the choice to “choose not to use”.

Who’s an Addict?

  • Using despite negative consequences
  • Failed attempts at quitting
  • Using more than they planned on
  • Others are commenting or concerned about their drinking

How Do You Recognize Drug & Alcohol Abuse?

Physical Manifestations

  • Increased pulse rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Flushed face
  • Abdominal pain
  • Runny / bloody nose
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Dilated pupils
  • Ataxia
  • Increases in breathing rate
  • Respiratory problems
  • Odor of alcohol
  • Fatigue / drowsiness
  • Excessive visits to MD for bone fractures, accidents, medical emergencies
  • Sudden increase or decrease in appetite

Mood / Affect

  • Depression
  • Feelings of worthless-ness
  • Tearfulness
  • Irritability
  • Diminished interest
  • Agitation
  • Talkativeness / rapid speech
  • Insomnia

Thought Process

  • Trouble concentrating
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion / Distraction
  • Visual Misperceptions

Suicide

  • Preoccupation with death
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Self-destructive behavior
  • Suicide plan

Hostility

  • Verbal or physical threats
  • Desire to hurt others
  • Angry outbursts
  • Destruction of property
  • Spousal abuse
  • Problems with authority / police record

Medication

  • Constantly asking for more medication
  • Frequent visits to MD’s to obtain medications for insomnia, anxiety, tension

Social Interaction

  • Isolation or withdrawal
  • Excessive talking
  • Change in personal hygiene and/or self care

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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