Understanding Addiction and the Recovery Process
The use of alcohol and prescription and illicit drugs affects people in different ways with varying degrees of risk and harm. Virtually all drinking and drug taking starts voluntarily. However, genetics, environmental factors, and other health conditions can lead to different results in different people.
- Drug or alcohol addiction may begin with a personal choice to use these substances, but research shows that, for many, a physiological dependence soon takes hold; drug dependence produces significant and lasting changes in brain chemistry and function.
- Addiction is a chronic illness, like other chronic illnesses such a Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension that can be successfully treated.
- Chemical dependency is characterized by “loss of control” over the amount of alcohol or drug use. It is NOT drinking all the time or using all the time. The chemically dependent person may abstain for weeks, months, years, or the remainder of his or her life. This “loss of control” is reactivated only when he or she starts drinking/using again.
- Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be quite lengthy. An occasional recurrence of drug or alcohol use during recovery is not an indication of failure.
- Chemical dependency tends to create and magnify social and emotional problems rather than being caused by them.
- Chemical dependency is treatable. Chemically dependent people can live full, productive lives without ever drinking or using again.
Though alcohol and other drug disorders are frequently chronic, relapsing conditions, they are readily identifiable and eminently treatable. Research studies have consistently demonstrated the overall effectiveness of treatment in reducing substance use and in improving patient functioning in the family, workplace, and community. Alcohol and other drug disorders treatment has been found to be as effective as treatments for other complex, chronic illnesses.
Regardless of the setting, research suggests that the most effective approach addresses the biological, psychological, and social factors of addiction. This combination of treatments often includes:
- Behavioral therapy
- Medications to address drug cravings and other physical and mental needs
- Social service support
- Attention to other physical and mental health needs
- Self help
MPI’s programs include each of these critical treatment interventions.