News / Health & Wellness
Treating Addiction as a Disease
Substance abuse is tricky because it wants you to think you’re not sick and that you’re in control, but this disease needs treatment just like any other.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 23.6 million Americans age 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem, but only 10.8 percent of this population received treatment at a facility specializing in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
While we know addiction is a disease, it’s frustrating because there is no other illness that has such a low treatment rate. Imagine someone with cancer or liver disease saying they plan to treat themselves! When we find out we have a tumor or a diseased organ, we go to a professional immediately and make plans to have remove it. Yet when we discover we have an addiction, we hide it, we deny it, we hope it will just go away – all the while we continue to use.
Treatment of any disease is disruptive to daily life. It may mean putting relationships, jobs and other opportunities on hold. It’s inconvenient. Then again, so is dying. For most struggling with a substance abuse disorder, treatment isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Getting assessed by a professional who can formulate a customized treatment plan is the best way to go. Detox may be needed. There may be a co-occurring mental health issue that is adding to the problem. It’s not something you can diagnose online or handle along.
Drug Treatment
Professional drug treatment, whether in a residential or outpatient setting, is the best insurance against relapse, and the best shot at long-term sobriety and health. 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.
