Is addiction a disease? Though scientists are learning new things every day regarding substance use disorder, most consider addiction a chronic disease. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association refers to addiction as a brain disease that’s marked by the repetitive use of chemical substances despite clear negative consequences. Most addiction treatment centers address substance use disorder by treating it like a disease, first helping clients detox from the harmful substance, then leading them toward healthier lifestyle choices, such as good nutrition, daily exercise, and behavioral therapies.
A disease is an illness that’s beyond our control. Certain lifestyle choices may lessen or worsen the disease, but for the most part — people who have a disease become ill through no fault of their own. People who battle cancer or diabetes may experience improvements in their overall health when they undergo chemotherapy or when they cut sugars out of their diets, for instance. Still, they need aggressive treatment to become truly healed.
Substance use disorder is no different. Diseases often have characteristics in common, though they vary from one to another. Classic characteristics of disease often include:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Malaise
- Muscle aches
- Aching joints
Addiction often causes these same symptoms as a part of the condition. But substance use disorder is worse than other diseases because it affects cognitive functioning, judgment, and reasoning. Addiction may cause you to do and say things that you normally never would. You may push loved ones away, offend coworkers, and alienate your children. Other people often feel anger toward people with substance use disorders, instead of the compassion they feel for someone who’s fighting a disease such as multiple sclerosis. Sadly, it’s this stigma that discourages people to seek the help they so desperately need. Is addiction a disease? It is. And as such, there’s no shame in seeking treatment.
How Is Addiction Treated?
Medical professionals are the best options for treating addiction. Though many people try and fail to detox from drugs or alcohol without help, this method may be painful and even dangerous. Some side effects of withdrawal range from serious to fatal. Consequently, trying to detox without help is never recommended.
At Vogue Recovery Center, we treat clients like family. Clients who choose to recover with us benefit from a resort-level experience. A few of the advantages we offer over other drug and alcohol treatment centers in Nevada include upscale accommodations, a spacious recovery campus, and a highly experienced staff. At Vogue Recovery Center, we provide a variety of holistic care services to guide you into recovery, including:
- Gourmet nutrition services
- Fitness training
- Adventure and outdoor therapy
- Yoga, meditation, and music therapies
- Psychotherapy
- Neurofeedback
We’ll work with you to develop a recovery plan that works. As a result, you’ll overcome cravings and learn new coping skills to help get you through moments of crisis. You’ll have the care and support of your medical team and peers who only want to see you succeed. We’ll provide you with the tools you need to avoid relapse and to live a life free from drugs or alcohol.
Is addiction a disease? It is, but it doesn’t have to impact the rest of your life. Call Vogue Recovery Center when you’re ready to take that next step toward recovery. Our experienced care crew is waiting to help you design a brighter future.
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