Addiction, like alcoholism and other forms of addiction, is not a disease nor should it be treated like them. According to Stanton Peele, Ph.D. et al., in The Truth About Addiction and Recovery (1992), the disease-paradigm proves more cumbersome than fruitful to mend destructive habits. We offer a recovery program in Los Angeles, California that takes this understanding to heart.
To sum the argument up neatly, consider these point:
- Addiction can be outgrown.
Addictions don’t stick around like other diseases such as diabetes. The fact of the matter is, many people do eventually overcome this condition and re-integrate back into regular life.
- Addiction has no medicine.
You can’t cure the impulse to smoke by taking a pill. Addiction doesn’t just disappear through some prescription.
- Addiction is not hereditary.
The causes of addiction are often personal problems, social backgrounds, peer pressure, and unforeseen circumstances that spiral into vicious cycles.
- Addiction does not latch on to others.
Addiction is not contagious or viral. Avoiding contact with others wouldn’t make sense. Otherwise, what would be the point of recovery support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous?
- Addiction ultimately requires the will of the individual.
You can push yourself to change your habits, but you cannot will tuberculosis out of existence. This is why substance abuse treatment is extremely important.
Valiant efforts to overcome addiction only become helpful with the right support. New Hope Drug & Alcohol Treatment Program, Inc. is a drug treatment center in California that more holistically views that pervasive problem of addiction beyond the drawing boards. You are not alone. We are here to help.
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