Addiction is a BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL-SPIRITUAL disease.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) the definition of addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by the inability to consistently abstain; impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response.
Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without addiction treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.
Addiction treatment is meant to help individuals suffering from addiction to stop seeking and using drugs. Additionally, addiction treatment should help individuals not only stop using drugs but continue to stay drug-free and be helpful in family life, work and society all together.
For the majority of people, the most effective addiction treatment plan is a long-term process that involves several interventions and continuous monitoring. Gateway Rehab believes in the philosophy that addiction requires an ongoing recovery process.
Successful addiction treatment requires various steps including:
To recognize when someone is facing drug addiction/alcohol addiction, there are several signs to be aware of including:
Gateway Rehab treats the underlying elements that lead to drug or alcohol addiction and continues to pioneer progressive and comprehensive treatment models.
