Do you have a habit or disease?
If it’s just a habit, why haven’t you quit?
You probably know someone struggling with addiction. The problem is often rationalized as being “not that bad” or “it’s a habit that can be stopped anytime.”
Addiction is not a bad habit. It is not a weakness. Addiction is a DISEASE. The abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. People who have the disease of addiction are not “bad’ or “weak”. They are good people with a bad disease.
Addiction destroys lives and hurts loved ones. The ability to be productive deteriorates. Relationships suffer. Health declines. Living a happy life quickly ceases. Addiction becomes the center of existence.
When we contract a viral disease we see the doctor for treatment. When we have a physical disease or disorder we change our diet, lifestyle and anything else we can control, like if we became diabetic or developed high blood pressure. The disease of Addiction also needs professional treatment and as well as immediate and permanent lifestyle changes.
Why do people get the disease of addiction? Many factors may contribute. Physical, mental, biology (genetics), life experiences (environment) and more. The earlier in life that substance abuse begins, the more likely it will progress to a critical stage.
Addiction is not simple.
Complex Disease.
Addiction is a complex disease with intertwining factors: Genetics, physical, emotional and even life experiences.
Progressive Disease.
When does an acceptable quantity cross the line and become a dependency? When does a prescription drug become an addiction?
Socially Accepted?
Many of the substances of addiction are a socially accepted part of our daily lifestyle. (Alcoholic beverages, prescription medicines)
Dwindling Effect.
The effect of mood altering drugs dwindles over time requiring larger quantities and more potent drugs.
Expensive Disease.
All fatal diseases are expensive to treat. Heart surgery may cost $100,000 but the destruction of an individual’s ability to be productive cannot be measured. The cost of any terminal disease is more than monetary and they are all equally as costly!
No one can predict addiction but addiction can be treated so that the person can have a happy, healthy and productive life.
If you are reading this, you probably know someone who has the disease of addiction. Make the decision to get help now.
Contact us today for a confidential discussion on how Recovery Ways may help.
