Drug addiction treatment has been put in place to stop the use of drugs and return individuals back to society as being productive, ethical and drug-free. There is much research that supports the benefits of drug rehabilitation, such as reduced criminal behavior, reduced disease and other related health problems, as well as an overall improvement societal functioning. However, there is a bit of disagreement as to the length of sobriety an individual can attain through drug rehab and if permanent recovery can be reached through successful treatment.
Part of this disagreement stems from the definitions used for what is considered addiction and what is recovery? And the underlying, unsubstantiated theory: Is addiction a chronic disease?
According to a document released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, entitled Principals of Drug Addiction Recovery, relapse with addiction is often compared to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. The document also adds that the relapse rate for addiction is between 40% and 60% which is actually more than those suffering from diabetes but a bit less than individuals with asthma or hypertension. This theory has contributed to “fear of treatment” with many addicts who feel that even with drug rehab, they will not remain clean and sober.
There is however direct evidence against these disease theories produced by the thousands of addicts who do receive effective treatment each year and maintain their permanent sobriety.
One program that produces a large number of permanent recovery cases on a continual basis is the Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Since 1966, Narconon has achieved a more than 70% success rate for permanent sobriety from addiction. The program has graduated more than 25,000 addicts just since 1995 with the belief that addiction is not a disease and that an individual can fully overcome substance abuse.
Sarah Cline is one example of this as a former heroin addict and graduate from the Narconon program in 2001. “I was doing $100.00 worth of heroin per day and Narconon was the first drug rehab program I was ever admitted to,” she explains. “Through their treatment I was able to put my addiction behind me forever. I have been sober for 8 years now. When I finished Narconon substance abuse was no longer a part of my life.”
The theory that addiction is a disease is just that; a theory. An individual can overcome a drug addiction problem with the right type of drug treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction and needs a drug rehab program that gets results contact Narconon today at 877.237.3307.
