About Chemical Dependency | Warning Signs | FAQs

FAQs

Following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about substance abuse.

What is chemical dependency?

Chemical dependency is the reliance on a substance such that one cannot function and continues use despite negative consequences. Alcoholism and substance abuse affect members of every socioeconomic and educational level in our society.

Is chemical dependency curable?

Similar to other chronic illnesses, such as hypertension or diabetes, chemical dependency is treatable but can never be completely cured. With proper treatment and follow-up care, one can live a happy and productive life.

How does someone talk to a family member who needs treatment but is resistant to the idea?

It’s not easy to take an active approach to urge a dependent person to seek help. It’s important to confront the individual in such a way that he or she recognizes the need for change.

Here are some do’s and don’ts of confrontation:

Allow an individual to see your concern about the drug or alcohol problem.
Get all the help you can from counselors, clergy, Alcoholics Anonymous or other people trained to deal with alcohol and drug problems.
Be patient. The drug or alcohol problem developed over a period of time. It won’t be changed overnight.
Learn as much as possible about the effects of drugs or alcohol.
Face your own feelings and concerns regarding the dependent person.
Approach the person after a bad experience with alcohol or drugs and discuss the inevitable consequences.
Have a written list of negative experiences involving the person and alcohol or drugs.
Organize the support of other people who can influence the person with the dependency problem.
Be as specific as possible concerning the situations you wish to talk about.
State how you will become involved with the recovery of the addicted person.
Let the person know what choices are acceptable to you.
Firmly, but sincerely, tell the person what you intend to do if treatment is refused or if the problem returns.

DON’T

Confront a person who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Lose your temper with the person who has the alcohol or drug problem.
Blame yourself for an individual’s drinking or drug problem.
Drink along with the problem drinker.
Hide or throw away all liquor or drugs in the house.
Cover up or make excuses when the person is drinking or using drugs.
Confront the person by yourself.
Voice your opinions instead of sticking to the prepared facts.
Punish, bribe or threaten the person into quitting or using drugs.
Demand or accept promises you know the person with the problem can’t keep.
Try to treat alcohol or drug problems by yourself.

What should I look for in a treatment program?

Some of the most important aspects to look for in a treatment program include professionalism, compassion, comprehensive services, individualized treatment plans, family involvement and a well coordinated discharge plan.

Is treatment guaranteed to work?

If chemical dependency was simply a matter of willpower, many people would be able to stop drinking or using drugs by simply trying harder to resist. But it isn’t about willpower. It’s about a disease with physical symptoms, genetic tendencies and compulsive behaviors.

Professional treatment provides the greatest opportunity for achieving successful sobriety providing the individual follows through with aftercare recommendations.

How can I tell if I or someone close to me has a problem with drugs or alcohol?

Please refer to the self evaluation developed by Hoag’s Chemical Dependency Recovery Center. This evaluation may be applied to yourself or a loved one.

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