Drug addiction 2...

[CD_in_Chitown]

Addiction isn't necessarily an indication of an underlying problem. If it was former addicts who have resolved their 'underlyng problem' would be able to drink or do drugs recreationally without renewing the addiction.

This I disagree with, it has been proven (perhaps theorized, I thought proven) that the addicts brain undergoes changes during prolonged use. Therapy may solve the emotional issue that led to the addictive behavior, but indulgence in the drug of choice can stimulate those areas of the brain to crave the exposure again.

 

[Kim]

And your answer is it is safe to dive after a physical?

Maybe I wasn't so clear. I am not saying that it's safe to dive after a physical.......more that I would consider it UNSAFE without one.

Check the OPs quote above, I gather this is a using addict and the OP is looking for a way to get her off the junk. Rehab seemed the best first step.

You might be correct in your reading of the OP's meaning. If that is in fact what the suggestion is then I agree completely with you. Diving is NOT in and of itself a way to get someone off the junk and in no way could replace a proper rehab program. If I have seemed to suggest that in any way then I apologize - that isn't what either myself, or I believe TSandM, were suggesting.

I could see though that IN CONJUNCTION with a full rehab program, and as long as the physical facts have been properly evaluated, it's possible that diving might help in the necessary re-building process that is required. Part of rehab is aquiring new value to life - sometimes for the first time. Often one of the basic reasons for taking drugs stems from a lack of belief that life holds value.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

Maybe I wasn't so clear. I am not saying that it's safe to dive after a physical.......more that I would consider it UNSAFE without one.

Ok, I can agree with that

If that is in fact what the suggestion is then I agree completely with you. Diving is NOT in and of itself a way to get someone off the junk and in no way could replace a proper rehab program.

I could be mis-reading, only getting what I thought the situation was.

I could see though that IN CONJUNCTION with a full rehab program, and as long as the physical facts have been properly evaluated, it's possible that diving might help in the necessary re-building process that is required. Part of rehab is aquiring new value to life

Exactly, as so well put here;

This type of positive social reinforcement of a sober, fun, and exciting lifestyle are extremely beneficial to those new to life without drugs or alcohol.

Not to mention that the activity, which we can attest is quite a social sport, can do wonders in building a new social support network of non-users, an activity that will be explained and mandated during a rehab program

 

[TSandM]

Just to come back and finish my contribution . . . There are physical and psychological ramifications of addiction. I am not in any way qualified to address the latter. From a purely physical health point of view, I still maintain that someone who has indulged in significant drug abuse probably needs a thorough physical evaluation to see if the drugs have done damage to body systems critical for diving.

Whether the patient is psychologically fit for the activity is another question, and really beyond my purview. I suspect that the points that have been made regarding transference of the addictive behavior are probably quite valid. I come from an addictive family, with an alcoholic mother and a co-dependent sister, and my adaptation has been addictive, obsessive behavior in other realms . . . pursuing a surgical residency, spending 17 years studying dressage, and now going head over heels into diving. We are what we are; we can only find the most constructive outlets for the psychopathology we carry around with us.

Perhaps a recently addicted person, trying to find balance, is better served by getting heavily involved in a positive activity like diving, while in the meantime trying to understand where the addictive behavior is coming from and how to moderate it. I don't treat addiction or keep up on the literature, so I don't know. I do know that I view my own obsessive behaviors as pretty darned positive adaptive strategies, compared with my family's outcomes. Maybe the person described in the original post SHOULD be encouraged to dive

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

We are what we are; we can only find the most constructive outlets for the psychopathology we carry around with us.

Reminds me of Douglas Coupland's All Famillies Are Psychotic

 

[plankspanker]

We are what we are; we can only find the most constructive outlets for the psychopathology we carry around with us.

Brilliant!