Disease Model of Addiction
The addiction disease model defines drug and alcohol addiction as a unique, irreversible, and progressive disease that cannot be cured, but can be arrested through abstinence. There is evidence that, in certain individuals, each incidence of substance abuse chemically alters the brain causing them to become dependent upon the substance. The disease model demonstrates a progressive process. Over time, addicts experience powerful cravings, and when they don't respond quickly enough, strong and sometimes deadly withdrawal symptoms occur. Continued use can also result in irreversible damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
The good news is, there is treatment. It begins when the individual suffering from alcohol or drug addiction admits there is a problem. The next step is meeting with a physician or addiction specialist who will prescribe an addiction recovery treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs.
Ideally, the patient suffering from the disease of drug or alcohol addiction will also participate in a lifelong recovery treatment program of support, as addiction is a chronic disease and, while it can be controlled, it cannot be cured. At its most basic, the disease model of addiction identifies the causes, prescribes a treatment, and is sustained through ongoing support, as follows:
Causes for the addiction:
Treatment for the addiction:
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Identification and confrontation of the addiction disease
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Medical intervention & help
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Lifelong abstinence/sobriety
Support for the addiction:
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Peer Groups, i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), etc.
Enterhealth creates individualized alcohol addiction treatment and drug addiction rehabilitation plans because we know your unique situation calls for an effective one-of-a-kind solution.
Contact Enterhealth today at 800.388.4601 to schedule an admission or for more information, email us using the contact form on the left-hand side of this page.
