Is Drug Addiction a Disease?

“Is drug addiction a disease?” It’s a common question that many people ask if they are suffering from addiction. There are many opinions about addiction, and unfortunately, this keeps the stigma of drug addiction alive, often preventing individuals from getting the support they need to heal. For most people, drinking or using drugs recreationally isn’t a problem. Each person has free will, so it seems as though someone who continues to use drugs, even though it’s hurting themselves, friends, and family, is simply making poor decisions. Yet substance use disorder or addiction is a disease and not a matter of mere willpower.

Over the last few decades, there’s been extensive research done in the field of addiction treatment, and experts now all agree it has both psychological and biological aspects. Further, it’s clear to all reputable addiction treatment centers that to help individuals heal from the disease of addiction, then the whole person must be treated. Beaches Recovery has extensive experience in treating substance use disorder and can guide you by educating yourself and others about addiction’s nature. Doing so gives individuals the tools they need to find the help they need to heal.

The NIDA Answers Is Drug Addiction a Disease

The National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA) is a government organization dedicated to studying addiction and addiction treatment breakthroughs. Their research has proven that addiction is a legitimate disease that centers in the brain. What they’ve found is that addiction is like an allergy to the brain. Those suffering from addiction are a minority, but they react differently to drugs than most people, which causes compulsive behavior, a lack of self-awareness, and empathy for others in their lives.

Depending on how an individual’s brain chemistry is altered through repeatedly abusing drugs or alcohol, the treatment program they require will differ. Some individuals need more structure, while others can operate through an outpatient program that allows them to continue working, meeting family obligations, or attending school. Beaches Recovery offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs where clients can find the exact support they need to address their substance use disorder, such as:

• Residential rehab
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient treatment
• Aftercare

Is Drug Addiction a Disease Causes Problems in Families

Not having an understanding of addiction causes many family issues and quarrels. Whether it’s the parents, spouse, or children of the person who is addicted, it can be very hurtful seeing that person continuously choose drugs over the family. Not realizing that the person has lost the power of choice can cause family members to cut the addicted person out of their lives. They don’t understand that those with an addiction are sick. On the other end of it, some families don’t agree with treatment because they believe a person can recover with the family’s love and support. However, this often is not the case.

Overcoming Addiction

To overcome the disease of addiction, a person needs to go to a quality treatment center. Beaches Recovery is JCAHO accredited, which means that we have the evidence-based therapy programs necessary to help you or your loved one overcome addiction. First, we educate people about the disease of addiction. This learning process helps the addicted individual admit they have a problem and commit to a recovery program. From here, it’s important to learn strategies for avoiding relapse. Some of our methods include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• 12-step programs
• Art therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

If you want to know more about the disease of addiction or are ready to treat your addiction now, we’re waiting to help you. Call 866.605.0532, or contact us online to learn more.