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.