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I think it\u2019s time we do a roll up of what we\u2019ve learned so far, as I see our podcast as a tutorial on addiction for families and anyone else who is close to an addict or alcoholic.

1. Addiction and alcoholism are diseases and are considered mental illnesses by science. They are not moral failings or manifestations of the lack of willpower.
2. Addiction and alcoholism negatively affect the family to such an extent that they are considered family diseases as well. Family members begin to react to their loved one\u2019s addiction in misguided attempts to control the disease.
3. The main characteristic common to all addicts, beyond their incessant using, is their extreme self-centeredness which has them acting selfishly without regard to the negative consequences their actions have on their families.
4. One of the most useless and dangerous myths is the idea that an addict or alcoholic has to hit bottom before he becomes ready to accept help. That idea has families waiting for disaster when they could instead be planning a wake-up call.
5. Families are utterly vulnerable to addicts stealing their money, their peace of mind, their sanity and their self-respect until they are fully educated on how enabling makes it easy for addicts to continue their lying and using ways.
6. Getting your loved one into treatment or at least to see a trained professional should be your goal. In the meantime, families should not hesitate to seek counselling and to join Al Anon so that they can start taking caring of themselves.