Understanding the Nature of Addiction

Man breaking handcuffs. Represents Inpatient treatment to overcome addiction

Understanding the Nature of Addiction

All people react to addiction differently. Some are more psychologically addicted while others are more physically addicted. But the one thing that they all have in common is that they are at the mercy of a disease called addiction. And when we seek help, we are often unsure of what form of treatment is right for us (i.e. inpatient treatment or outpatient meetings). That is what we are here to talk about today: What exactly is addiction, and what are the proper modes of treating it?

 

What is Addiction?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as: “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.” A person is addicted to something whenever they need a recurring substance or action in order to feel stable. While certain healthy habits could be considered good addictions (i.e. healthy eating or exercise), substance abuse addiction refers to drug or alcohol dependency, which leads to destructive behavior and deterioration of the mind and body (leading to death if untreated). Although for the longest time addiction was viewed as an immoral choice, it is in fact a condition that goes against the body’s will. It is finally beginning to be viewed as a disease. Although addiction is destructive, like any disease it is treatable.

 

How is it treated?

Addiction is a very dangerous disease, and one of the leading causes of death in the United States alone. But unlike other leading illnesses, it is highly treatable. There are different modes of addiction treatment, from inpatient treatment to outpatient support programs. Each of these pertain to a different degree of a patient’s condition.

Here at Florida Recovery Group, we are open to all levels of addiction, and treat every person’s condition in the context of their needs and betterment of living. Treatment basically involves cutting off from any access to the substance, followed by regular mental and physical therapy to rework the patients’ dependency. The bodily desires are changed from being for the addiction, to being for the life that the addiction takes away.

We offer various treatment programs with highly trained doctors and counselors. These programs include: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient program (IOP), and the Outpatient program (OP). The Partial Hospitalization Program is a slightly relaxed treatment program, with a length based on the patient’s particular behavior. The Intensive Outpatient program is a more structured, schedule-based program that lasts between 30-90 days. Finally, the Outpatient program is meant to help the patient move back into the outside world. We provide therapy appointments in order to check in and stay on track with recovery.

 

Sources:

http://www.asam.org/quality-practice/definition-of-addiction