Explaining addiction in layman's terms

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has released a helpful new booklet titled "Drugs, Brains and Behavior: The Science of Addiction."

In its 30 pages, it describes how science has revolutionized what we now know about drug addiction "as a brain disease that affects behavior."

Somehow I find hope when I see addiction explained, rationally, and see references to prevention and treatment. After all, until the addict is in the grave, there IS hope, isn't there?

Check out the PDF of the booklet or order one here.

I'm going to get a copy for my 84-year-old mother, who doesn't understand why it isn't just a matter of will power. Gotta admit, some days I wonder that myself.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/

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Meth use linked to heart problems--this is news?

If an active methamphetamine addict cared what the drug was doing to his body, a recent study at the Scripps Research Institute might get his attention.

As if anyone whose life is touched by this insidious substance doesn't know, it can cause the heart to race. Heart attacks. Instant death. And usually at an early age.

But now, these researchers have identified medical complications resulting from prolonged use that had never been recognized before. These include numerous cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmias, intracranial bleeding and congestive heart failure.

The study also noted that methamphetamine reacts with proteins in the body, creating compounds that have been associated with Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

It's not a pretty picture. Too bad the addict usually doesn't get it until the damage is done. As a society, we haven't begun to see the effects of this crisis, but the next 20 years will be telling.

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More ups and downs

The very same day I received some exciting personal news this week, life came crashing in on my son.

Another ride on that emotional roller coaster. But for some reason, maybe because we've been prepared for this, or maybe because I'm doing better at taking each day--each hour--as it comes, it hasn't been so devastating for me. I've also chosen to look at the positive side of the situation.

First of all, I'm grateful he's still alive. Whatever he faces in the coming months and years, I know God has granted him mercy and will give him the support he needs. I know the man my son is deep down and can just imagine the man he will become when he's not using drugs.

I'm grateful for my family and that my daughter is able to support her brother in a way that's healthy, with boundaries. I'm glad that the baby can spend some more time with her daddy when he's clean and sober, and hope she will realize and remember, even at her early age, that he loves her deeply.

And above all, we do hope this will be the beginning of his recovery that will last the rest of his life.

Then just when I needed another good dose of hope and encouragement, I found this story in Sober 24 Highlights. Take a moment and read it. Come back and let me know if you were as moved by it as I was.

http://www.sober24.com/Highlights/40/vobId__727/

A story of hope

Somehow it makes sense to focus on hope this Memorial Day.

As families across the country have sacrificed in recent years to fight a war outside our country, other families have been personally touched by the other war—the war raging around drugs in our own state, county, city, and home.

Today, I don’t know how my son is doing, where he is living, or even if he is alive. But I’ve chosen to entrust his life and well-being to my Higher Power, the God of the Universe, so I can go on with my own life.

And that’s why this story of hope from Pryor, Oklahoma, encourages me today.

I know there is hope. Some days, it’s just so hard to find.

Whether you have an addict in your life or not, what gives you hope today?

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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere, especially those whose son or daughter is enmeshed in the world of addiction or better yet, growing through the process of recovery.

Some of you will enjoy a close family time today. If you do, be sure to treasure every moment with each child and remember to add it to your gratitude list for the day.

Others may not know where your child is, or he or she may be incarcerated for actions they would have never taken were it not for the influence of their drug of choice.

I've been through it all and there are no pat words or assurances to ease the pain and anguish of a mother's heart that has been broken--maybe for the eighth, ninth, or tenth time. The chaos, destruction and calamities that surround active drug use results in broken trust, broken relationships and broken hearts.

If your heart is hurting today, my hope is that you take comfort in even the smallest joys you find: the happy tune the bird is singing outside your window, the smells of spring after last night's rain, the smile of your sweet grandbaby.

Share your feelings with an understanding friend, and take comfort from God's Word: "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." (Ps. 119:76)

Take comfort, and above all, don't give up hope. Please add your thoughts here. Tell us what gives you hope in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of addiction.