News / Health & Wellness
Addiction Still a Unique Disease
While there is parity now in the coverage of treatment expenses, there are still differences that make substance abuse unique when it comes to treatment.
The new healthcare parity act that went into effect in January 2010 means that addiction and mental health disorders must be treated just like other diseases. But despite this new equality, in some ways substance abuse is unlike any other disorder doctors encounter.
A diagnosis of cancer or heart disease would prompt a patient to seek out treatment and follow their healthcare provider’s advice. But when it comes to addiction, it’s never that simple. It’s the only disease that, when diagnosed by a professional, the one who is sick often denies there’s anything wrong and refuses to take the steps necessary to get better.
It’s this reality that makes the disease of addiction so unique. But as drug and alcohol abuse is viewed more as a disease and less as a weakness of character, the stigma of addiction will lessen. As that happens, more people who need drug treatment may be willing to trust the professional evaluation of an addiction expert and see the diagnosis in the same way they’d see any other health problem.
Until then, loved ones and friends can help by being understanding and removing the emotion from addiction. You wouldn’t get angry at someone for suffering from cancer, realizing it’s not helpful in their healing. The same goes for addiction. You can’t guilt someone into getting help. Being informed and focused on getting them back to health is the best course of action.
Addiction Rehab
If you or someone you love is battling an addiction, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
