Some Information on Addiction...

The Disease of Addiction - Current Concepts
"In any discussion of alcohol and drug problems we should always be clear about the definitions of the terms that are being used.  This discussion is about the disease of addiction.  Synonymous terms for addiction are chemical dependence and alcoholism (addiction to the drug alcohol)..."

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction in Health Professionals

Unsafe and Safe Drugs for Recovering Addicts

The Physician and Chemical Dependence
"Chemical dependence is the protean disease of our generation. There is hardly a physician in active practice who does not encounter this disease on a regular basis. Even those who may not see such patients directly should be able to recognize the many manifestations and complications of addiction..."

The History of Addiction Medicine
"Physicians have played a role in the treatment of alcoholism, or as we recognize it today, Chemical Dependence, since the time of Hippocrates. A large amount of this treatment by physicians has been well-meaning but ill-informed. Actually, it has taken a largely lay organization, Alcoholics Anonymous, to show the medical profession the most effective approach to the treatment of this disease..."