Is Addiction a Disease or a Moral Failing?
Is Addiction a Disease or a Moral Failing?
Shame can prevent those suffering from addiction from getting the treatment they need and deserve. Many people with substance use disorders feel the disorder is a moral failing, and something they should be able to control on their own. This simply is not the case.
Addiction is a real disease, and—in order to get better—it needs to be treated as such.
Below is more information about how addiction is a disease, how willpower factors in, and what options those with a substance use disorder have to combat the disease of addiction.
Addiction and the Brain
The first thing that needs to be addressed is whether or not addiction is a physical ailment. The answer is, “Yes!”
As per the Partnership to End Addiction:
“Most addictive substances cause the brain to release high levels of these same chemicals that are associated with natural pleasure or reward.
Over time, continued release of these chemicals causes changes in the brain systems involved in reward, motivation and memory. The brain tries to get back to a balanced state by minimizing its reaction to those rewarding chemicals or releasing stress hormones. As a result, a person may need to use increasing amounts of the substance just to feel closer to normal.”
Your body reacts to addictive substances over time, and a reliance is formed. This reliance can affect different people in different ways. For those with the disease of addiction, the reliance—both physically and mentally—can be pretty severe.
Is Willpower Enough?
No. For some, the decision to stop the use of substances due to minor to severe consequences is a simple one. For those with the disease of addiction, just “stopping” the use of substances can be extremely difficult to impossible. Those with a substance use disorder need treatment from mental health and addiction treatment professionals.
Is Addiction Chronic?
Yes. Addiction is a chronic illness. It can be progressive for many and can lead to severe consequences over time—including death. That said, those with the disease can live a perfectly normal life with proper treatment. The disorder will become much more manageable over time (with proper treatment in place).
Immediate Help is Available!
Addiction is a disease, and because of this, it needs to be treated by a team of medical experts and mental health professionals. Front Door Health specializes in in-home treatment services for patients with substance use and dual-diagnosis disorders that treat all aspects of addiction. We take a scientific approach to treatment and create a treatment plan for the patient to ensure their success. Front Door Health believes patients should get the treatment they need when they need it. That’s why we offer immediate treatment for patients (often same-day enrollment!).
Our in-home treatment approach allows patients to continue to go to work and school, fulfill their obligations, spend time with their families, and receive top-quality care while having the freedom to move about and enjoy their lives.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
