Reference no: EM133955023

Question

Safe level is one to two drinks a day or simply a small consumption of the addictive agent. I do not believe that someone with an addiction can limit use to a "safe level." Just because you consume it at "safe levels" does not mean it is good for you. The power to quit the addiction is such a hard task. Introducing the addiction back into one's life in small amounts contributes to relapse. When a person uses drugs, chemical compounds in stimulants, nicotine, opioids, alcohol, and sedatives enter the brain and bloodstream. This causes people to lose control of their impulses. Individuals with addiction lack control, and that is partially why they seek help, and the reason it is such a long recovery period. Addiction support groups typically tell you to stay away from the source or peers that may temp one to use again. I would simply explain the consequences of addiction to someone with a difference in opinion. Addiction alters individuals lives, resulting in the loss of relationships, jobs, etc and possibly ones own life. It also alters brain functioning. Addiction to drugs and alcohol affect the brain's ability to form and store important memories, which can cause irreversible brain damage. In treatment, the brain is being re-trained to function normally, without toxic substances. Using at a "safe level" could result in the individual losing control again, and it is simply not worth the risk.