I saw my psychiatrist last week and she answered my question

[Roon]

about addiction. She told me that people who get addicted have a gene that makes them endorphin deficient and it can be passed down to their children. Half of my family are addicts and the other half are in recovery. 30 years ago EVERYONE drank! We can't even watch videos of us at the cabin, everyone is stupid drunk (cept for the kids) and it's very painful and embarrasing to watch.

33 days sober today. My longest in 4 years. I am really working hard to make it stick this time.

[elleng]

1. EXCELLENT!

and very happy to hear your psychiatrist answered your question in this way! I've posted the following info, several times:

Since 1956, the American Medical Association has recognized and defined alcohol addiction as a primary disease, not a secondary symptom of an underlying psychological or medical illness. Since then, this definition has been extended to define all chemical addictions as "chronic, progressive diseases characterized by significant impairment that is directly associated with persistent and excessive use of psychoactive substances. Impairment may involve physiological, psychological, or social dysfunction."

Research into the neurochemical basis of addiction points to the dysfunction of one or more of six major neurotransmitter types as being the basis of the symptoms of addiction, withdrawal, and drug cravings. Studies have shown strong genetic predisposition to some types of chemical dependency regardless of social environment.

http://www.lakesidemilam.com/DiseaseOfAddictionSynopsis...

Glossary of relevant terms, fyi:

http://www.lakesidemilam.com/GlossaryOfTerms.htm

[Roon]

2. Wow!

thanks for the info and the links elleng

[elleng]

3. You are VERY welcome, Roon!

HAPPY to be of service!

:hi:

[demosincebirth]

4. Good luck! But remember, " its not how the jackass got in the ditch, but

how do we get the jackass out."