The nature of an addict is complex and their behaviours, often contradictory. As such, the task of separating the nature of an addict and the manifestations of addiction, from the causes of addiction as cited here, was a difficult task. The manifestation of the disease in the habits that form the nature of a person in active addiction, are often the cause of the feelings associated with it, thus perpetuating the cycle of shame, disconnection and numbing as described by Dr Brown in the research (Brown, 2012). The over-riding characteristic of an addict is a disproportionately low sense of self-worth, self-love or self respect; all of which are exacerbated by the shame often from the effect of their impact on others and a perceived inability to make physiologically and psychologically healthy choices. Often referred to as an insanity, the chaos that plagues the addicted mind renders life and the normal range of human emotions, overwhelming and unmanageable. The denial with which most addicts live is cited as the primary cause only 3% of people with addiction recognise and admit it (AAWS, 2013).
The physical addiction, often manifest in substance and alcohol abuse, is only the symptomatic end-result of a chronic spiritual illness that originates in a skewed sense of self,
93 | P a g e at best. A sense of identity is inherent to feelings of emotional security and self-awareness, both of which are sorely lacking the addicted person.
"What is addiction? Addiction is a complex disease. The physiological, genetic, psycho-social, nutritional and environmental factors are often thought to lead to
the development of this disease and need to be addressed in recovery."
(Gordon-Drake, 2013, pers. comm. 22 March)
The causes of the disease of addiction highlighted by the sample group of interviewees, correlate with the research and describe a complex milieu of both physiological and psychological issues. The factor underpinning all of the responses and which accounts for the low-self esteem inherent to the addict's nature is a feeling of not being loved and results essentially, in a desperate fear of disconnection Dr Brown defines as a shame and subsequently, isolation. Both are incredibly detrimental to the individual, others like him and the community at large and only add to the social stigma and further disconnection experienced. Community support and the formation of a fellowship within which to find empathy and support in one's recovery, is central - as confirmed in the quantitative data - to mitigating the spiritual pain of addiction and sustaining recovery from it.
"That lack of understanding alienates you so much that you just slip more and more into isolation, so the power of a group, without even calling it spiritual principles, instantly you are accepted, instantly you are understood, instantly you
feel compassion, simply by other people identifying."
(Aldine, 2013, pers. comm. 17 April)
The treatment for the disease is similarly varied, complex and functions at both physiological and psychological levels. The most important aspects of the recovery process; as suggested by all of the interviewees and almost all of the survey respondents; are spiritual principles and fellowship. As described by Dr Spurrett, committing to recovery is essentially making a promise to oneself which is often more difficult to keep than if one had made the promise to a group, to whom he was held accountable. Further to this, abstinence from substance abuse is the easier part of the recovery process. After approximately one year, the neurotransmitters in the brain have rewired to become independent from substances. However, the task of
94 | P a g e psychologically modifying one's entire mentality and the lifestyle and behaviours associated with it, is the difficult task in the process and often only becomes an unconscious action after a minimum of two years abstinence while in addiction treatment (Vermeulen, 2013, pers.
comm. 25 March). Treatment essentially involves a rediscovery of life and a conscious effort, every day to manage positive and negative emotions without rushing to numb any overwhelming sensations, in an effort essentially, to come to an understanding and intrinsic acceptance of self.
"I always say when you come into treatment it's not a process of recovery but of discovery.'
As you start your discovery process you are self-analysing and you develop self awareness, self-insight through all the different activities, and counselling and therapy. And once you've got true self awareness, you go to self accepting and only once you've accepted yourself warts and all, your strengths and weaknesses,
can you change and change results in recovery. In recovery, you become comfortable in your own skin. All those years you've been fighting who you are
and when we become genuine and authentic you can find recovery. It is so liberating."
(Gordon-Drake, 2013, pers. comm. 22 March) The end goal of the Minnesota Model of addiction therapy, is to encourage and promote self- awareness and self-transcendence and the subsequent succour of recovering addicts less experienced in the programme than oneself. At the centre of these concepts are the spiritual principles of the 12-Steps (refer to appendix A for A.A. literature), which outline the practical tools for achieving an awareness of self through an understanding of one's own personal identity and in relation to one's social context as well as one's concept of the divinities. As such, the Programme suggests to achieve the same result as that of a meaningful built environment - to afford the addicted man the opportunity to dwell, in an atmosphere of peace, wherein he may feel at home, most notably, with himself.
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