Getting help for addiction introduces you to the disease model of dependency. Many find it shocking that overcoming drug abuse isn’t as simple as taking some pills and drinking plenty of water. In fact, there’s a two-pronged approach to recovery. Here’s what you need to know about overcoming addiction today
The Disease Model of Addiction
Leading experts understand that addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. Its very nature puts it on par with diabetes and asthma, both of which are chronic conditions. As a result, they have a high relapse potential. When seeking help for addiction, you learn how to leverage your strengths to prevent this relapse.
What makes chemical dependency so labor-intensive to treat is the fact that the drugs alter the brain’s chemistry. Undoing the damage is possible by allowing the body to regain equilibrium. This process comes with the withdrawal symptoms that so many users dread. However, you can overcome chemical dependency without pain.
Getting Help for Addiction Starts with a Good-Quality Detox
Acute withdrawal from any substance comes with discomfort, pain, and downright dangerous side effects. Addiction treatment specialists at detox facilities work with program participants to provide around-the-clock monitoring. Pharmacological support avoids the pain and discomfort. It also prevents potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms from occurring and harming you.
However, there’s more to dependency than the physical aspect. For many, there’s an underlying psychological reason for using. Finding the underlying cause of this condition can result in relapse prevention. A substance abuse counselor might use treatments such as:
- Dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions that contribute to addiction
- Family therapy as a means of overcoming dysfunction in communication, boundaries, and co-dependency
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy that provides insight into personal dysfunction and the tools to change it
- Dialectical behavior therapy, which allows you to control your emotions even when strong triggers present themselves
- Holistic treatments such as meditation therapy and Yoga for relaxation and stress relief
If There’s No Cure for Addiction, Why Bother?
Getting help for addiction leads to a significant improvement in your quality of life. It can also save your life. If you do nothing, the drugs will continue to consume you. They become your focal point and push everything, and everyone, to the side.
Without intervention, you’ll likely lose relationships. Your health gradually deteriorates. Depending on the drugs you use, you’re at high risk of suffering from an accidental overdose. Overdose can lead to death.
Even though the disease carries a relapse potential, it responds well to treatment. Many achieve sobriety that lasts a lifetime. Others may relapse and then get additional help for addiction. There’s nothing wrong with doing detox or rehab until you get it. No matter where you’re at right now, it’s possible to overcome addiction. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we start you off right. You don’t have to keep using when you want to stop. Call us at 866-294-5306 today to connect with an intake specialist.
