4/12/2005
Cannabis Substitution Harm Reduction
6
Alcoholism, a chronic relapsing disease.
nTamert and Mendelssohn summarize the psychophysiologic process:
n“The anxiety reduction model often utilized to explain initiation and perpetuation of episodic drinking was found inadequate to explain motivation for alcohol use by the alcoholic. Euphoria and elation were manifest only during the initial phases of intoxication. Prolonged drinking was characterized by progressive depression, guilt, and psychic pain. These unpleasant affects, however, were poorly recalled by the alcoholics following cessation of drinking.
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