The former Editor of The Sun newspaper has recently been in the press himself talking about his experience as a self-confessed alcoholic. He says that he owes his new life to the internationally renowned addiction expert, Dr Robert Lefever.
On a recent BBC program David actually describes himself as an ‘addict’, the only difference being that his drug of choice was alcohol. The point he makes is that the term ‘alcoholic’ or ‘addict’ is interchangeable as it describes the person and not the substance or behaviour i.e. alcoholics are addicts. However, not all addicts are alcoholics, their drug of choice may include any of the following:
The definition of ‘addict’ only applies when the repeated use of the behaviour or substance becomes self-destructive. An interesting argument is that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has little to do with alcohol. It’s more about spirituality than spirits, although Dr Lefever explains that as an excellent solvent, spirits will dissolve senses including the ability to have a spiritual connection.
David describes how the personality traits for addiction and high achievement or ambition are closely linked and history is full of excellent examples from Edgar Allan Poe to Georgie Best.
The point is that addicts (10% of the population) generally have driven personalities, and they are driven by a heightened sense of fear and pain. The drug of choice will vary, but people with addictive personalities feel a relatively bigger euphoria when the senses for pain and fear are numbed.
Grateful to be an addict
A General Practitioner himself, Dr Lefever had a large practice in Chelsea and his patients seem to adore him. And quite rightly too as he has managed to help so many people see that addiction is advantageous if medicated appropriately.
On a recent BBC program David actually describes himself as an ‘addict’, the only difference being that his drug of choice was alcohol. The point he makes is that the term ‘alcoholic’ or ‘addict’ is interchangeable as it describes the person and not the substance or behaviour i.e. alcoholics are addicts. However, not all addicts are alcoholics, their drug of choice may include any of the following:
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Antidepressant drugs
- Narcotic dugs
- Co-dependency (or compulsive helping)
- Work
The definition of ‘addict’ only applies when the repeated use of the behaviour or substance becomes self-destructive. An interesting argument is that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has little to do with alcohol. It’s more about spirituality than spirits, although Dr Lefever explains that as an excellent solvent, spirits will dissolve senses including the ability to have a spiritual connection.
David describes how the personality traits for addiction and high achievement or ambition are closely linked and history is full of excellent examples from Edgar Allan Poe to Georgie Best.
The point is that addicts (10% of the population) generally have driven personalities, and they are driven by a heightened sense of fear and pain. The drug of choice will vary, but people with addictive personalities feel a relatively bigger euphoria when the senses for pain and fear are numbed.
Grateful to be an addict
A General Practitioner himself, Dr Lefever had a large practice in Chelsea and his patients seem to adore him. And quite rightly too as he has managed to help so many people see that addiction is advantageous if medicated appropriately.
The basic unit of all living organisms.
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The raising of the body temperature above norma, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as shivering, headache and sweating.
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The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes.
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