Nar-Anon

About Addiction

Feb 07, 2000

ABOUT ADDICTION

We have learned that addiction is an illness not a moral issue. It is a
two-fold disease. A physical allergy coupled with an obsession of the
mind. It can be arrested, but never cured. It is similar in nature to
diabetes in this respect. We can no more prevent the addict's use of
drugs than we can stop the tubercular's coughing. No one, not even
the doctor, nor the clergy, nor the family can do this for him or her.

We have found that compulsive use of drugs does not indicate lack
of affection for the family. It is not a matter of love, but of illness.
The addict has lost the power of choice in the matter of drugs. Even
when he knows what will happen when he takes the first drink, pill,
or fix, he will do so. This is the "insanity" we speak of in regard to
this illness.

When we fully understand and accept that addiction is a disease, that
it is both mental and physical, and that we are powerless over it, we
become ready to learn a better way to live.