Pharmacology Cures (Guest Post) I read an article in Discover Magazine, written by Jessica Snyder Sachs (October 2011 PG 55) regarding a cure for addiction. The gist of the article revolved around an injection that creates an antibody response when cocaine is taken. When a person takes this medication they do not get the euphoric effects of the drug. No matter how much cocaine the person used they were not going to get "high". It stated in the article, "the urine tests used to verify abstinence revealed that several users had tried to thwart the vaccination by overdosing. Some urine samples showed cocaine levels over a million measured in nanograms per milliliter." The researcher went on to say, "I have never seen a living person with over a 100,000". I agree that these drugs, (there are several of them), can be very helpful in the treatment of addiction but they are far from a cure in my book. To actually be a cure it would need to take away the cravings as if the person had never started using drugs in the first place. If the person continues to take massive amounts of a drug to over come the treatment they are receiving they are still addicted even though they may not be getting any effects from the drug. It is the mental compulsion to use a drug sometimes after years of sobriety and the loss of control when using that is the heart and soul of addiction. Recovery is something more. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration defines recovery as: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Obviously, by this definition, recovery is a great deal more than not being able to get high; it is a fundamental change in thinking and behaving. It is taking responsibility for ourselves and our addiction. It is holistic involving all aspects of the human condition. Recovery takes place in a social context and occurs when people reach out to one another with compassion, sharing their own experiences and offering hope that change is possible. Recovery is about growth. It is a very powerful and human experience. Disclaimer: If you are needing more extensive assistance or counseling, we can supply you with a list of available agencies to assist you. No blogs are ever meant to substitute a person seeking help through professional counseling.
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