|
| About Addiction |
Substance Abuse is a complex illness.It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable substance craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. For many people, addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.
The path to addiction begins with the act of taking substances. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take substances can be compromised. Substance seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged substance use on brain functioning and, thus, on behavior.
The compulsion to use substances can take over the individual's life. Addiction often involves not only compulsive substance taking but also a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors that can interfere with normal functioning in the family, the workplace, and the broader community. Addiction also can place people at increased risk for a wide variety of other illnesses. These illnesses can be brought on by behaviors, such as poor living and health habits, that often accompany life as an addict, or because of toxic effects of the substances themselves.
Because addiction has so many dimensions and disrupts so many aspects of an individual's life, treatment for this illness is never simple. Addiction treatment must help the individual stop using substances and maintain a substance-free lifestyle, while achieving productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society. Hence Resurgence treatment program typically incorporates many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. |
| |
|