Is Addiction a Disease or Not?

When beginning the recovery process, one of the things those struggling with addiction first wonder is the question, is addiction a disease? While there are some people who continue to say that willpower and quitting cold turkey are the only options, the real answer is that addiction is a complex disease. It affects the mind and body over time. Only through continuing addiction treatment programs can one stay in recovery.

Is Addiction a Disease?

The short answer is that addiction is a disease. When someone is addicted, they have a compulsion or craving to use. Drugs and alcohol rewire the mind over time. Once someone has an addiction, the reward, judgment, motivation, learning, and memory processes in their mind are disrupted.

Other than the mental aspects of addiction, there are also severe physical problems. Addiction can damage the organs in the body and cause certain cancers. Some of these changes can be impossible to repair. Because of these factors, addiction is classified as a disease by medical associations like the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Medical Association.

Is Addiction a Disease That Can Be Cured?

There is no cure for addiction. While there may not be a long-term cure, patients can get help. Doctors can help treat the physical ailments caused by addiction. Meanwhile, addiction specialists at a drug and alcohol rehab center can help heal the mental changes that an addiction causes.

There may not be a cure for addiction, but it can be managed. Counseling, rehabilitation, group therapy, and support groups provide those addicted with long-term solutions for their addiction. Like any chronic disease, addiction must be treated continuously to avoid a relapse.

Is Addiction a Disease That Can Be Prevented?

Obviously, the first goal is to prevent an addiction from happening. Unfortunately, this is not always possible to do. Mental health illnesses, a history of family abuse, and a genetic predisposition for addictions can make it likely that someone will have to handle the symptoms of addiction in their lifetime. Avoiding drug and alcohol use may help to prevent an addiction from happening. When this is not possible, there are always substance abuse treatment programs available.

Beaches Recovery’s Alcohol Rehab Center in FL

Once an addiction takes hold, it can seem impossible to become sober. Luckily, help is available for people who need it. Through therapy options and treatment programs like the ones at Beaches Recovery, patients can take the first step toward their long-term sobriety. To find out how you can learn coping skills to become sober and stay that way, contact Beaches Recovery.

Join many others in the path of healing after drug and alcohol abuse. Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, FL has sunny beaches as accredited treatment programs for your family. When substance abuse threatens to tear you away from your loved ones, contact us today. The following programs can be combined with addiction therapies to heal the whole family unit:

• Inpatient rehab center program
• Drug or alcohol detox at Tides Edge
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Sober living programs

Many people suffering from addiction will be unable to effectively fight back against their alcohol or drug addiction without receiving treatment at a professional addiction treatment center. You do not have to go through this journey alone. At Beaches Recovery, we are here to help your loved one get the help that they need.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville Beach, Florida as soon as possible. Call 866.605.0532 today to participate in addiction treatment programs in FL. Start your journey to sobriety and lasting recovery with our caring professionals and therapists.