The Disease of Addiction

Presented by Ronald Schwerzler, M.D.
Medical Director, Serenity Lane Treatment Services.

In this 75 minute lecture, Dr. Schwerzler explains addiction as a medical disease of the brain.

The World Health Organization acknowledged alcoholism as a serious medical problem in 1951, and the American Medical Association declared alcoholism as a treatable illness in 1956.Addiction is classified as a disease because it meets the criteria of all other terminal diseases:

• It has a pattern of symptoms which are similar across all types of substance abuse
• It is a chronic condition.
• It is progressive. Addiction only gets worse with continued use, and it can be deadly.
• The person is subject to relapse.
• It is treatable. While addiction is a terminal illness, its progression can be arrested at almost any stage.

The Power of Thought

Presented by Dwight Lee, CADC II,
Spiritual Advisor at Serenity Lane.

As our thoughts control our behavior, we can change our behavior by changing our thoughts.

This powerful lecture by one of the most charismatic members of our counseling staff, Dwight Lee encourages us to step out of our addict/victim mind set and embrace a new life in recovery by changing how we view our world.

54 minute video DVD.

Recovery & Spirituality

by Larry Olson

Larry Olson entered treatment at Serenity Lane on November 5, 1979 and has been sober, one day at a time, ever since. His personal story of alcoholism and his search for a spiritual anchor for his recovery, is documented here in the lecture he offers all the patients who come to treatment at Serenity Lane. Larry has served on Serenity Lane's board of directors for over 20 years and is currently President of the Board.

DVD approx 35 minutes.