Is addiction a treatable disease?

No one ever plans to become addicted! It happens over a period of time as the person passes through increased tolerance at the early stages and loss of control and multiple problems as he or she progresses into it.  

As the definition says, “Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive substance seeking and use, despite harmful consequences”. How do you view SUD treatment in your community? Do you think treatment is working? Treatment is not just detoxification process, it is not just medical management. In fact, detoxification and withdrawal management is only the beginning of the treatment

1. What is Detoxification?

• The process of:
  • Stopping substance use
  • Clearing the substance from the body
  • Managing the withdrawal syndrome

What is withdrawals?
Withdrawals are specific reactions of the body and mind when the level of substances come down in the body. Withdrawals can be mild or serious, depend on the substances you are addicted to. For alcoholism, it can varies from shivering of hands, increased blood pressure, anxiety, depression, nausea, or even serious complications like delirium tremors. Withdrawals can be even fatal sometimes. Initially, people take drugs or alcohol for the pleasures involved, but as addiction develops, they take it to avoid withdrawals.

How safe recovery is possible?
In treatment, a safe recovery is administered by managing withdrawals, repairing physical and mental damages, and ensuring a holistic recovery through individualized case management, counseling, psycho education, group therapy, and self-help programs.