Addiction and Recovery

There is evidence of alcohol consumptions by our ancestors over 100,000 years ago. It is likely that alcohol was used in ceremony, as an induced connection to the spirit world, in cooking, in socializing. Over generations alcohol was used to launch armies, celebrate newborns, seal momentous treaties, and much, much more. The story of the use of mind-altering drugs other than alcohol is similar.

Geneticists will tell us that it is also likely that the gene alignments that dictate how we metabolize alcohol and drugs have been with us in some form for a very long time and genetic alignments are in place that lead to addiction. Some humans formed connections in the pleasure centers that drove them to more and more use, less and less satisfaction, and more and more difficulty. Similar histories exist for what we know as “schedule 1” narcotics including cannabis and all forms of psychotropics. In fact, major wars were fought in the last century over the opium trade and today the drug trade involves violent gangs that provide drugs across the world.

Yet in all of those 100,000 years, recognizing the harmful health effects, alcohol and drug use continues along with the abuse and addiction. In all that time, too, we have not come to grips with how we should treat abuse and addiction.

In the United States the first 150+ years were marked by treating alcohol use and drunkenness as a matter of morals culminating in the 18th amendment known as Prohibition. Prohibition as a legal act was occurring globally at that time and was, like in the U.S., a miserable failure. There is evidence in the U.S. that the period of highest per capita alcohol consumption was during Prohibition which ended in the U.S. in 1933.

Since then, there has been one notable, unsuccessful effort after the next with the current U.S.-stated position of the War on Drugs. During the War on Drugs drug use has increased while millions of Americans have been incarcerated for what is widely believed to be a disease — substance use disorder (SUD).

There is, of course, the twelve step movement founded by a New York stock trader and a physician in Akron, Ohio in 1935. Alcoholics Anonymous and its progeny, including programs for families such as Al-Anon, have been a godsend to millions. Yet in 2024 less than 20% of the estimated 40 million people with SUD ever come in touch with treatment and less than 10% achieve one year of continuous recovery. Clearly, the answer lay ahead of us not behind us.

I hold no special insight and do not think the solution will lay with me. I do hope that in these pages we can get a better handle on the issue, explore what is happening in this arena and, at minimum come to some better understandings.

Gene

Articles:

Featured

Understanding The Case For Cannabis; It Is Not Harmless

Twenty-four States have legalized recreational cannabis. It would seem likely that public opinion concurs. However, to the extent that public opinion holds that cannabis is a harmless or relatively harmless drug that is incorrect. Further, the argument that use is widespread is incorrect as about 17% of American adults use cannabis versus 70% who use alcohol. Here we argue that we should recognize the dangers of cannabis that is more harmful that alcohol. Medical uses are researched, effective in many cases and should be legal. At the same time, we recognize that prohibition has failed and regulation seems the logical next step.

We Need To Think About Binge Drinking and Heavy Drinking Too

While we have focused mainly on the disease of addiction and specifically alcohol use disorder, we should not ignore other, abusive and dangerous behavior with alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control reports that there are 55 million binge drinkers and heavy drinkers in America. Their behavior is harmful to themselves, those around them, and is a drain on our healthcare system. We should attend to this behavior as well.

Stop Using A Behavioral Health Disease As A Core Justification For Tariffs

Today we return to essays about important topics in alcohol and other drug use, abuse and addiction. Our point in this essay is that using illegal drug supply as a core justification for tariffs seems disingenuous. Certainly, stopping demand is worthwhile. The problem is twofold. First, stopping opioids at the border is very difficult. Second is that demand accounts for only one-third the drug problem in America. Two thirds of the problem is driven by demand and there we are doing a terrible job at treatment — curbing demand. Until we get serious about demand let’s stop using drug abuse, a disease as defined by the AMA, as a cudgel for the larger economic and geopolitical purposes of tariffs.

You Will Be Rich and Not Know It

We shared Sharon’s story before as she wondered if she had a spiritual experience. Now Lamont and at a different point in his recovery. In recovery circles it is common to hear about gratitude. To the outsider it may seem odd. To the members they understand that they have a heightened awareness of spiritual matters. For most it is a deeply held, unshakable belief in a deity. Others aren’t so sure. For all though they have gratitude.

Too Few To Mention

As we have noted previously, we will not ignore the issues and concerns of our loved ones, the codependents. No matter the debate about including this condition in the DSM-V, the lives of millions are changed and their mental health burdened by their loved ones with substance use disorder. Here is the story of how life ended for one of those codependents.

No, This Is Better

We hope to promote recovery. Realistically, though, that is still rare. If only 6% of all alcoholics and addicts achieve one year of abstinence, then 94% die of the disease. For alcoholics about one-third die from accidents, overdoses, violence, self harm, from a single episode of drinking. Two thirds last to middle age or old age and succumb to chronic disease. How do they experience their death? Is there reconciliation with themselves? Here is one story, based in a real life but, obviously, imagined.

Or Was That Just Some Sort of Neurologic Event? (Copy)

In recovery from alcohol and other drugs people discuss their spiritual awakening. They have come to appreciate the ethical, right living side of their lives and how that brings quality to them. Often, but not always, this is wrapped in the religion of their youth. Many of these same people relate a spiritual experience. Usually, a sudden, physical and metaphysical event, a realization that reshapes them. For many this is the hand of God, others cannot explain it, nor do they have to. Here is Sharon’s version.

Apparently, Sue Was Already Taken

We have made the point that the commonly held image of substance use disorder, alcohol and other drug addiction, as being a homeless person is vastly overstated. This is likely about 1% of the total drug problem in the nation. Yet there are probably 500,000 homeless in America with an alcohol and/or other drug issue. Too few find recovery. Here is the story of one who did.

Or Was That Just Some Sort of Neurologic Event?

A Necessary Step

We learn through stories. For centuries those stories carried lessons, history, legend. “The Odyssey”, “The Iliad”, “Beowulf”, “The Tain”, the Old Testament. After a few articles written to expand thinking about alcohol and other drug abuse, now a few “stories” to normalize life in recovery. I have been trained as an academic, not as a storyteller. This will be interesting. To start, a professional man, notable among his peers, tries his first public event after a month-long visit to a noted treatment center.

I’m Glad They Are Getting Better But WTH(heck)

Your loved one has made it through denial. Perhaps your help made the difference. Now they are clean and sober maybe a few days or weeks of months. But their behavior is unexpected, and you were not prepared. It’s confusing; you don’t know what to do next. Now what? Perhaps these suggestions will help

Can We Use Alcohol or Marijuana Safely? How About Responsibly?

Given the extensive and historic interest in alcohol use in humans, and the growing popularity of marijuana for similar reasons, we might ask if either substance can be used safely. If not, and given that 180 million Americans use alcohol and 43 million use marijuana, then is responsible use possible"?

Maintaining Anonymity: The 11th Tradition

Anonymity and The 11th Tradition

Alcohol and Drugs In The Workplace

I’ve Been Homeless and Served The Homeless

While the homeless populate is about 1% of all alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction, rather than being the end stage for everyone, it is still the case that a good estimate is that there are somewhere around 500,000 homeless people with substance use disorder. My friend Bill Smith brings some experience to their issues.

The Age Old Plague Continues

While we attend to the results of alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction, including crime, we spend far too little on preventing crime by addressing this issue. Would using a plague metaphor help us create a broad-based approach to preventing the crime that results from substance use disorder?

Contact:

gene@genegilchrist.com

Louisville, Kentucky
(502) 681-6964
gene@genegilchrist.com
gene@genegilchrist2.0.com

Addiction and Recovery

Articles:

Contact:

Location

Press Inquiries