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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