Alcoholism and chemical dependency are long-term illnesses similar to high blood pressure or heart disease in the fashion that symptoms come and go in differing strengths and varieties over time. Another common denominator between the two is the patients personal behaviors. Negative behaviors/habits can also affect the outcome of the disease in that if a person with heart or blood pressure issues does not take their medications right, eat unhealthy, etc. can have negative effects on the condition as with an addict, putting yourself in risky situations or going off treatment plan can result in relapse. Such diseases are called relapsing/remitting conditions.
By understanding the nature of addiction, family members and friends care better able to help the recovered addict in preventing a relapse or have a better understanding if one should occur.
For some in recovery, not knowing the success rate and percentage of relapses is more therapeutic for them. If they felt that the success rate was extremely high they may be more apt to think they can entertain occasional drug/alcohol use in a recreational manner with no ill results. For others, the success rates are their motivation to be one of the numbers. Regardless of the type of treatment program one chooses, keeping your focus on beating your addiction regardless of how rough the road can get, will serve you best. Having your friends and family members with you in the battle with a full understanding of the nature of addiction makes the bumpy spots along the road that much easier to handle.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Books have been written on understanding addiction. I don't have time for books. Articles such as yours are compact and informative and I can always find time for that. Kudos to you and your staff.
ReplyDeleteIt is a rough road to travel, no doubt about that. Focus on a better life is what got me through. I slipped a few times along the way but the overall trip was a success.
ReplyDeleteKnowledge is ammunition, for sure. The more you know and understand, the more helpful you can be to a recovering user.
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding how and why the addict is hooked puts you in a position to help him overcome the habit. You don't have to 'walk in their shoes' but you do have to know where those shoes have been to be able to help them.
ReplyDelete