What is Alcoholism and What is Drug Addiction?

Do you find yourself asking the questions - 'So what is alcoholism actually? What is drug addiction really?' Because if you're trying to gain greater UNDERSTANDING of alcoholism and drug addiction ... then you've come to the right place!

So the Definition of Alcoholism and Definition of Drug Addiction will provide you with the necessary insight into the nature of addiction.

Of course knowing What Causes Alcoholism and drug addiction is also crucial in understanding the nature of addiction so be sure to read about that.

And there are further important related topics I want to talk to you about, which you'll see down at the bottom of the page - but let me first give you my take on what I believe drug addiction and alcoholism really is ...

What is Alcoholism and Addiction ... a Spiritual Perspective

I have a more "philosophical/spiritual" take on things based on my experiences of when it comes to answering the question of what is alcoholism and what is drug addiction - which I have gained by observing its destruction at work in countless others.

Now you don't have to agree with me - if you don't that's totally okay (I reckon debate should be encouraged, don't you?) ...

I believe that drug abuse, addiction, dependency, alcohol addictions ... call it what you like, is essentially a spiritual 'problem' (for want of a better word). Now I don't mean that in a religious sense at all. It doesn't matter whether you are religious or aren't religious in my view.

Andrew Weil, MD, sums it up perfectly in his book 'Natural Health, Natural Medicine, pg. 135

"Addiction is NOT a psychological or pharmacological problem, and CANNOT be solved by the methods of psychology or pharmacology. It is, at root, a SPIRITUAL concern, because it represents a misdirected attempt to achieve wholeness, to experience inner completeness and satisfaction."

I think the reason we're trying to achieve wholeness, inner completeness and satisfaction - is the fact that we live increasingly in a state of dis-ease. Living in a world of instant gratification where everything is geared towards rushing along at breakneck speed - we lose touch with our center and core that provides us with the peace, comfort and strength we need to flourish and find true happiness.

Living 'on edge' most of the time - which induces states of high stress and anxiety - means something has got to give sooner or later. And that dis-ease we experience eventually catches up with us - whether it be as a disease/illness, any form of eating disorder, mental breakdown or naturally addiction, whether it be alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling etc.

So let me move onto my philosophical or spiritual perspective on how I interpret alcoholism and drug addiction so that you can really get a handle on the what is alcoholism and what is drug addiction deilemma. Hopefully sharing these thougts and ideas will challenge our current paradigms and ways of thinking - because isn't that at the end of the day what faciliates growth?

Solving the What is Alcoholism, What is Drug
Addiction Dilemma ... Connecting with your Inner-Self

There is no quick fix because once alcoholism or drug addiction 'gets you' - a lot of deep and fundemental change needs to happen if you're going to overcome either of them.

But I think at the heart of that change - connecting with that inner part of yourself - that part of yourself that provides you with a sense of who you are ... that grounds you ... provides you with an inner strength and resolve ... wisdom ... and a deep sense of peace - should be what you constantly strive for.

And How Do you Do That?

Silence - no, not simply not talking - but mental silence ... quieting the mind and tapping into the resevoir of your infinite potential that lies below the chaos of your rational, thinking mind. It's simple - but definitely not easy - because we have all been programmed to have an ongoing stream of mental chatter, emotional upheaval and everything else under the sun that does anything but facilitate that inner calm and silence we all so badly need more of.

See your mind like an ocean - 99% of the time you're swimming at the surface constantly being bashed around by the waves and tides (your thoughts and emotions) - but once you dive deeper, all of a sudden things are so much calmer and more tranquil (just don't think sharks or any other form of dangerous fish:-)

Now imagine yourself on a nice, warm day, lying on a quiet beach simply listening to the sound of the crashing waves - feeling increasingly relaxed and at peace. All your thoughts, worries and fears are being washed away by the sound of the waves as you move into a state of deep calm and relaxation. You feel at ease and peaceful ...

That is the type of state you want to try and recreate for yourself - and that is what tapping into your 'Inner-Self' can do. I guarantee you - if you can tap into that state on a regular basis - eventually your addictive tendancies will simply fall away. Because do you honestly think if you're feeling peaceful, happy and content - that you're going to have that overwhelming urge to pick up or drink?

Problem is - we can't spend all our lives on tropical islands, deserted beaches or mountain retreats where we can nourish our souls 24/7. Life is constantly at you and will expose any addictive tendancies you may have if you don't remain vigilant and work at it constantly. That's why 12 Step Programs like NA and AA work because you have to work on yourself all the time so that you keep moving forward, gaining in strength and purpose.

As for how you can tap into that deep inner state consistently - you may have your own ideas as to what you can try and what will work for you. If you want to find out more about what I use, visit my Addiction Recovery Toolbox page - where I share my resource with you. Oh - and here's an extra tip - download my book Addiction Uncovered - because I share some easy to use and practical ideas with you there.

So what do you think about my assessment that alcoholism and drug addiction is primarily a spiritual problem, in respone to the "what is alcoholism and drug addiction" question?

Anyway, onto the further topics I think it crucial that you find out more about when trying to understand alcoholism and drug addiction ...

There are a couple of pieces that should be read in conjunction with each other. The first one looks at the question of the whole addiction and Alcoholism Hereditary perspective.

And once you've finished reading that, I suggest that you move onto the Alcoholism and Genetics link to look to see how it all ties together.

Chronic Alcoholism and what that is, is a question that pops up often - so you'll get insight into that and discover whether that's particularly important.

Hopefully now having read all the subjects that cover this page, you'll have a pretty comprehensive understanding of what is alcoholism and drug addiction - which can lead you onto how to treat and recover from them successfully.