We do NOT have a “choice” There are so many opinions on whether or not alcoholics and addicts choose to do what they do.  There are so many differing views from across the spectrum: Medical/psychiatric - The American Medical Association (AMA) recognized it as a disease many years ago. Religious - Through proper prayer and devotion the addict should be able to reform. Forensic - This view assumes if you deny access to the drug you can eliminate the problems related to that drug. AA - “The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 23) This can be quite confusing.  La Hacienda decided to develop an accurate summary of our stance.  It is great tri fold that explains all the different views and where we have agreed as a faciltiy to stand. Addiction is a disease not a matter of willpower or choice.  The latest research shows that addiction is linked to a dysregulation of neurotransmitters in the medical forebrain bundle of the brain. There is a great deal of scientific evidence indicating a genetic component of addiction.  However, La Hacienda is more concerned with teaching addicts to live with and overcome the problems that result from addiction rather than focus on the cause. Once an addict/alcoholic has been introduced to a program of recovery which is the solution for their disease a limited power of choice is restored.  They then not only have a choice (to work the program or not) but also a responsibility to work the program to the best of their ability. (photo via)

We do NOT have a “choice”

There are so many opinions on whether or not alcoholics and addicts choose to do what they do.  There are so many differing views from across the spectrum:

  • Medical/psychiatric - The American Medical Association (AMA) recognized it as a disease many years ago.
  • Religious - Through proper prayer and devotion the addict should be able to reform.
  • Forensic - This view assumes if you deny access to the drug you can eliminate the problems related to that drug.
  • AA - “The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 23)

This can be quite confusing.  La Hacienda decided to develop an accurate summary of our stance.  It is great tri fold that explains all the different views and where we have agreed as a faciltiy to stand.

Addiction is a disease not a matter of willpower or choice.  The latest research shows that addiction is linked to a dysregulation of neurotransmitters in the medical forebrain bundle of the brain.

There is a great deal of scientific evidence indicating a genetic component of addiction.  However, La Hacienda is more concerned with teaching addicts to live with and overcome the problems that result from addiction rather than focus on the cause.

Once an addict/alcoholic has been introduced to a program of recovery which is the solution for their disease a limited power of choice is restored.  They then not only have a choice (to work the program or not) but also a responsibility to work the program to the best of their ability.

(photo via)

Tags: recovery