Question 1

WHAT IS THERAPY?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a process in which a trained professional and a person, family or group establish a therapeutic alliance for the purpose of gaining self-understanding and understanding of others, and to effectively solve problems and resolve conflicts.

Question 2

WHAT DOES "SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE" MEAN?"

Accepted Answer

The term "Substance Dependence" is often used in conjunction with and at times interchangeably with the terms alcoholism, addiction, substance abuse, substance dependence, drug habit, and drug addiction.

Question 3

HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?

Accepted Answer

Many plans may reimburse in full or in part for my services.  You will initially pay the fee out of pocket, but will get a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance provider or employee plan.  Please check with your insurance provider to see what kind of reimbursement you can expect to receive.  Here are some questions you may want to ask to find out what you are entitled to:
1) Does my plan include mental health benefits?
2) How many sessions per year are included in my plan?
3) Does my plan require the signature of a registered psychotherapist or a psychologist, for reimbursement?

Question 4

WHAT IS AN ADDICTION (ADDICTION IS USED INTERCHANGEABLY WITH ALCOHOLISM)

Accepted Answer

Addiction is characterized by a person’s marked inability to control alcohol or other drug use.  This involves loss of control or an inability to predict when a person will discontinue use once it has begun. This loss of control causes a person to continue to use alcohol or drugs despite adverse consequences.  As addiction progresses, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms increase.

Question 5

WHAT IS THE DISEASE MODEL?

Accepted Answer

According to the disease model, a disease has:
1. a clear biological basis;
2. identifiable signs and symptoms;
3. a predictable course and outcome; and
4. conditions or manifestations are not caused by voluntary acts.
Core Concepts of the disease model as applied to addiction include:
1. addiction is a “primary disease”; the disease is not caused by drinking, but drinking is a manifestation of the disease;
2. addiction is a “progressive disease”; it may take many years to develop, but it gets worse over time;
3. addiction is a “chronic disease”;  it is not curable; it is always there; and it never goes away;
4. “denial” is the primary defense of the disease;  the person having the disease is the last to know. It impacts the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of an individual

Question 6

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DISEASE MODEL?

Accepted Answer

It removes alcoholism and addiction from the realm of stigma and shame.  It allows for the commencement of research.  It justifies the need for treatment and there are effective means of treating it.  It doesn’t have to end in death and despair.  It validates the subjective experience of an addict or alcoholic feeling sick.
It is a progressive condition that is potentially fatal.  Denial is its primary defense and it impacts the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of an individual.
Addiction is treatable, the “highjacked” brain can change.  There is a way out and there are solutions that work.

Question 7

IS ADDICTION A CHOICE?

Accepted Answer

NO, addiction or alcoholism is not a choice. Addiction is a “no fault” disease. 
Addiction is NOT:
 • Secondary to another psychiatric illness
 • A moral or ethical problem
 • A personality disorder

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