Treatment for Addiction : The Jellinek Curve Explained.

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Treatment for Addiction : The Jellinek Curve Explained.

02 December, 2020Articles, News

The Jellinek Curve remains a useful tool in understanding why treatment for addiction is necessary, and why will power will not be enough to overcome addiction. The Jellinek Curve outlines the progression of the disease of addiction and is useful as a tool to motivate addicts towards a positive and lasting change, as the addict will be able to identify with the different stages of substance abuse.

The curve was originally created to detail the stages of alcohol addiction and recovery. It has however been adapted to represent all forms of addiction.

Once a person has a clearer understanding of how addiction develops and what recovery from addiction means, they can begin to understand why treatment is necessary for recovery and they can then begin to work on relapse prevention as well.

The Curve was created by E.M. Jellinek who was one of the earliest pioneers of the disease model of addiction. His work has helped to change the way that addiction and recovery are viewed today.

Addiction is defined as a disease by most medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in the individual pathologically pursuing reward and or relief in substance use and other maladaptive behaviours.

THE PHASES OF THE JELLINEK CURVE

The Crucial Phase :

In this phase the individuals’ drug / alcohol use changes from occasional relief using, to more frequent use. The induvial may become dependent. This means that the individual can no longer function normally without the substance.

During this phase the individual displays deterioration in their physical and mental health. This is also where interpersonal relationships start becoming strained as a result of the persons substance abuse. This is also where the substance abuse starts gaining momentum and moves closer to the Chronic Phase as the use becomes more compulsive.

Characteristics of Crucial Phase:

Black outs increase
Decrease in ability to stop drinking/using when others do
Urgency of the first use of substance
Increase in substance tolerance
Persistence of remorse and guilt feelings
Promises and resolutions fail
Family and friends avoided
Loss of ordinary will power
Tremors and early morning use

The Chronic Phase :

In the chronic phase, substance abuse has reached compulsive use levels and complete loss of control over the use or behaviour is evident. In this state the individual is unable to stop or reduce their use despite multiple attempts. This is where self will, will cease to be sufficient to overcome the substance abuse.

Obsessive thoughts, urges and cravings overshadow most the of the individual’s thoughts and other daily functions. This is also where the individual has exhausted every possible reason for their abuse of substances and can no longer justify their use once they have reached this stage of compulsion.

This is also where the individual will start to experience consequences of their substance abuse, such as the negative effects on the body, mind, relationships and also often on their careers. As they feel the effects of these consequences, many turn back to the substance in order to cope, therefore feeding the addiction in a negative loop.

It is at this stage where the addict falls deeper into the addiction and on the Jellinek Curve becomes trapped in the vicious cycle of obsessive drinking or using. The person may also experience withdrawals if they try to stop using on their own.

This is usually where the addict has reached what is known as rock bottom, and the feeling of hopelessness allows them to seek a need for change and thus the opportunity for recovery.

Characteristics of Chronic Phase

Moral deterioration
Onset of lengthy intoxication
Impaired thinking
Obsession with using or drinking
Complete defeat admitted
Unable to initiate action

Rehabilitation Phase :

This is when the individual has reached a stage where there is a sincere desire for help. It is at this critical stage where the addict or alcoholic will learn that addiction is a disease or illness and learn that this way of living can be changed.

This is where the person sees that a life without substance abuse is possible and sobriety can be achieved. With the knowledge of the harm that the addiction has caused themselves and others, the individual is motivated to work towards sobriety.

This happens when a person builds strength and hope and soon overcomes their fears. As they heal from the addiction the physical, mental and spiritual harms have to be addressed. Therapy, medical care, spiritual guidance and other treatment which are offered at addiction treatment facilities and rehabilitation centres is crucial at this time.

Characteristics of Rehabilitation Phase

Honest desire for help
Told addiction can be arrested
Learns addiction is an illness
Stops using substance
Spiritual needs explained
Onset of new hope
Start group therapy
Return of self-esteem
Natural rest and sleep
Increase of emotional control

A noticeable and interesting fact about the Jellinek Curve is that the recovery side does not flatten out on the top which could represent the fact that recovery does not “flatten out” and is filled with endless personal growth.

It is important to note that “…. most individuals do not always have to hit a rock bottom, in order for them to recover. An induvial can seek help, and begin their recovery at any stage of the substance use disorder….”

If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

Resources :

National Institute on Drug Abuse www.drugabuse.gov

Journal of studies on Alcohol and Drugs www.jsad.com

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Stories of Recovery

The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
Oliver VG
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On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
Johan B
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I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
Carla S
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"Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
Angelique J
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What to Bring to Rehab?

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Home / Posts tagged "RehabJohannesburg"

What to Bring to Rehab?

18 November, 2020Articles, News

Booking into a rehabilitation facility for the first time can be an overwhelming and nerve-wracking endeavour, but it need not be so. Many people are fearful of coming into treatment because they have no idea what to expect or what the admissions process is going to look like. To mitigate some of this anxiety we will talk about what to bring to rehab., how to prepare and what to expect when being admitted to Crossroads Recovery Centre .

You will need clothing for a few days, including some items for both hot and cold weather. There is no need to pack for all 28 days in one go as we do have laundry facilities. Walking shoes will also be needed. There is no need to rush out to buy hiking boots, your normal run-around will do just fine for the daily walk around the block.

You will also need to bring the basics such as a towel and toiletries. Please do not bring anything that contains alcohol or is aerosolised. If you do accidentally pack something that may be harmful to yourself or others, we will arrange that it is kept safe for you until you leave.

You need to remember to bring to rehab, any medication that you are currently taking as prescribed by a doctor.

Please remember to pack a few masks, this is in the interest of your health as well as the health of others.

If you or your loved one is a smoker, it’s a good idea to bring a few boxes. If they vape, a few bottles of juice and a charging cable will be needed.

We know its quite old school, but an MP3 player. Phones cannot be substituted for this unfortunately and we do not allow anything that has a radio function. MP3 players can be loaded up with appropriate music to be used in free time. There is no need to rush out to buy one if you don’t already have one, it is a luxury more than anything else. If you do decide to bring an MP3 player, remember the headphones as well.

A few creature comforts can make all the difference when settling into an unfamiliar environment. Linen and bedding are provided, but sometimes a pillow from home and a familiar blanket do make the facilities feel homelier.

Should you run out of any toiletries or require snacks, we do have a tuck shop facility. Tuck shopping is done once a week of the clients. A list is made, and a staff member will go to Pick n Pay or Spar to get the items. Clients are also more than welcome to bring some tuck in with them when they arrive. Chips, sweets, chocolates and cooldrinks and pretty much anything else that you would like to snack on is appropriate. Keep in mind, nothing should contain alcohol. Diets shakes are also off the menu (unless required for medical reasons).

Please keep in mind, the is limited fridge space and as such perishables should be kept to a minimum. Clients also do not have access to cooking facilities so please do not bring along anything that requires a stovetop or oven.

The tuck shop system works like an account. Items will not be bought for clients who do not have funds in their account. Upon admission cash can be deposited into this account or an EFT can be made. Clients are given a tuck shop balance every other day to keep track of their spending. The person responsible for the clients account is also more than welcome to request a breakdown of spending at any time. The tuck shop account is also used for any non-detox medical expenses. If a client needs to get to a dentist or has the flu this is the account that will be used to pay for it.

Crossroads manages these funds on the client’s behalf and we do not add any additional charges. Transport to and from appointments is also billed to this account.

It is important to note, that any fees left in the tuck shop account upon discharge will be paid back to the person who paid in the fees initially, this is either done via EFT or may be given cash. These funds will not be released to the clients unless the client is the person who paid them in in the first place.

When admission is being processed please bring in identifying documentation, such as a drivers license or ID book, and medical aid cards. We require a copy for the admission paperwork. When it comes to medical aids, pre-authorisation can be done ahead of admission. This is to ensure that funds are available and to confirm the co-payment amount. This process can be done prior to admission, should the client elect to not come into treatment or change their admission date, a pre-authorisation does not influence the available benefits. When arranging admission, speak to the counsellor with whom you are working about this information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crossroads is making every effort to keep out facilities and clients safe. As such, a client is required to have a COVID test done before joining the treatment programme. This procedure can be done a number of ways. Firstly, a client can get tested privately and arrive with their negative test results, these must be no older than 72 hours. The other option available is that upon admission a member of Crossroads staff takes the client to be tested while waiting for test results the client will be in our isolation facilities. Test results usually take about 24 hours, so the sooner the test is done, the better.

Crossroads has arrangements in place with doctors to administer tests, please speak to your admissions counsellor for these details.

Booking into a rehabilitation facility is a daunting experience, but it need not be so. Our admissions personnel are able to assist you every step of the way and are always available to answer questions and explain procedures. Give Crossroads a call to discuss taking the necessary steps for admission to treatment.

If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA