by Lolito Tampus

Created on: April 28, 2011

An addiction to alcohol or drugs qualifies as a disease in many aspects. It creates disorders in many systems of the body like the nervous, muscular and digestive systems as well as some complications on the excretory and respiratory systems. It is a disease caused by the recent careless social trends, peer pressures and environmental stress. It is a type of deviation from normalcy threatening to give major problems in the society. It is socially and psychologically contagious when the craving becomes a habit, a fad or a tradition. And it is a disease that needs human care and medical attention.

An addiction may dominantly confine in the premise of physiological or psychological need, but the after effects evolve to become a disease. It appears alarming upon reaching the uncontrollable level. It casts fears when many organs of the body fail to function normally. It impairs body cells and tissues that can lead to some abnormalities like the problem of determining what is wrong and what is right in performing some activities. In the end, it seeks for the services of the people from the fields of psychology, psychiatry and medicine who usually recommend for rehabilitation and hospitalization. 

An addiction just like a disease that has signs and symptoms. It exhibits excessive sweating, vomiting and coughing as well as watery and red eyes, constant sneezing and insomnia. It also causes reflex actions like shaking, jerking and memory loss. It shows symptoms of hypertension, chest pains and loose bowel movements. It also desires for cold water early in the morning, but it is afraid to take showers regularly. It produces extremes like people who are very fat or very thin, those who indulge in overeating or not eating regularly at all, and those who are over aggressive or very passive. In many aspects, it sows confusion thereby affecting social and familial relationships.

Individuals with addiction or disease project varied behavioral changes. They become choleric and withdrawn. They look violent and temperamental. They tend to be weak and tired in short span of time. Others seem to be frail and lonely. They develop helplessness or over dependence. Many others are arrogant and touchy. They always expect for immediate assistance, acceptance and time for healing and renewal.

An addiction is like a disease that suffers different discomforts. It succumbs to pains and nausea. It suffers indescribable uneasiness and anxieties which are weird and unreasonable. It demands care and attention since the thoughts are full of fears and depressions. However, it retains a space for appreciation and encouragement to get well soon.

The point in which an addiction differs from a disease is the manner of healing and cure. Unlike the disease which depends on too much medication, an addiction can be relieved by self discipline and self control. It is an unwinding approach from the very first taste and curiosity for drugs and alcohol. It is a personal mission to change. It is a reflection on how to learn to live again in this wonderful world. 

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