It is important to understand that, for much of history, addiction (and those struggling with addiction) was not handled well. Often, people struggling with addiction were institutionalized or, in some cases, in the early 20th Century, even lobotomized. Thankfully, this is no longer the case. On addiction, the medical opinion is that it is a chronic disease. The good news is that there is also a solution to solve the disease of addiction.
Better Understanding the Disease of Addiction
Addiction affects millions of people both in the U.S. and around the world. This includes individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), substance use disorder (SUD), and other behavioral addictions like gambling and sex addiction.
Yes, it is now understood in the medical community that addiction is a disease. For far too long, there has been a stigma associated with addiction that it is some sort of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply not the case. In fact, it is now understood that addiction has more in common with chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease than it does with a choice. This is because addiction will almost always get worse without some type of professional intervention. This includes the worsening of the symptoms of addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction (this includes addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders) are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of addiction and mental health disorders. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking or using
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, many people can still minimize addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders or falsely categorize them as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
The Medical Opinion on Addiction
Now, the medical opinion on addiction has not always been kind. As previously mentioned, medical treatments have, at times, historically even done more harm than they have done good.
The good news is that the medical opinion on addiction now is much more understood and compassionate. There is even a section of the primary text of 12-Step recovery (most commonly referred to as The Big Book) dedicated to the medical opinion on addiction.
The section is entitled “The Doctor’s Opinion.” It states, “There was, therefore, a sense of real satisfaction when I was asked to contribute a few words on a subject which is covered in such masterly detail in these pages. We doctors have realized for a long time that some form of moral psychology was of urgent importance to alcoholics [and those struggling with SUD], but its application presented difficulties beyond our conception. What with our ultra-modern standards, and our scientific approach to everything, we are perhaps not well-equipped to apply the powers of good that lie outside our synthetic knowledge.”
This statement was a revolutionary discussion on addiction. This is because it showed that addiction is not just something that is physical, but it is also something that is mental, emotional, and spiritual as well. This is why the medical opinion on addiction is that it should be treated with a multi-angled approach that often includes a detox, some form of therapy and/or psychotherapy, holistic healing methods, and working with other people in recovery (such as volunteering at 12-Step recovery meetings).
Our View on Addiction at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, our view on addiction is that it must be treated with compassion and dedication. This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive.
All of our recovery plans also focus on the future. This is because we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” Recovery is not just about putting down the drink or the drug; rather, it is about adopting a whole new way of life.
Recovery is possible. The key is to reach out and take the next right step. There is hope. We can help.
It is important to understand how addiction is a “disease.” It is also important to understand how some stigmas surrounding addiction still remain. The good news is that many of those stigmas are subsiding, and there are now more ways than ever to recover. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right track toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the medical opinion on addiction and recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
