Addiction or substance use disorder is a complex brain disease characterized by uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease. It is repeated exposure to an addictive stimulus. People can develop addictions to drugs or alcohol, sex, gambling, eating, shopping, etc. It can be anything that makes an individual feel better or feel good, even if it is only for a short moment. Many people with addiction issues have preceding mental health or psychiatric disorders. A lot of the times these mental health disorders are unknown and untreated and that leads the person to abuse a substance or participate in behavior as a form of self-medicating. These substances or behaviors increase levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the “feel good” chemical in our brain that is responsible for pleasure, reward, and motivation. 
How Is Addiction Treated?
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires individualized treatment, and no single treatment is going to be right for everyone. Effective treatment addresses all of the individual’s needs, and not just their drug use. The first step of treatment usually requires a medically supervised detox in a treatment environment. This way the individual can be monitored and given medications to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Once a successful detox has been done, addiction education and therapy can begin. In an inpatient, intensive outpatient, or regular outpatient treatment program individuals will learn about the disease of addiction. 12-step meetings, individual therapy sessions, counseling, and support groups are a big part of treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and contingency management are also used in treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps a person recognize unhealthy patterns, identify triggers, and develop healthy coping skills. Rational emotive behavior therapy helps an individual recognize negative thoughts and gives you ways to combat self-defeat. REBT helps you to realize the power of thinking lies within yourself. Contingency management reinforces positive behavior by giving you tangible rewards. This treatment helps combat relapse. Some medication can play an important part in treatment. Any co-occurring mental health disorders must be successfully treated and sometimes that involves medication. There is also medication-assisted treatment. Recovery is a long process that constantly has to be addressed. Once a person is stable and has achieved long-term sobriety, they cannot stop treating their disease. You can never beat addiction. The minute you think you’ve got it beat and stop treating it, you will find yourself amid a relapse.
Is it Possible to Get Rid of Addiction?
Addiction can be treated and people do successfully recover from it, but it cannot be cured or gotten rid of. Addiction is a disease just like diabetes, cancer, etc. The National Institute on Drug Abuse asked, can addiction be treated?
Yes, but it’s not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives. Addiction treatment must help the person do the following: stop using drugs, stay drug-free, and be productive in the family, at work, and in society. (DRUGABUSE.GOV)
Addiction is a chronic and progressive condition that requires lifelong treatment. It can be successfully managed with the right treatment. If it is left untreated or mistreated, addiction can and eventually will result in death.
Get Rid of Addiction With Evidence-Based Treatment
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction issue, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness at Miramar offers cutting-edge addiction treatment. We are committed to helping you build a foundation for long-term recovery. You don’t have to continue to suffer. Your story isn’t over! Call us today and let us help you start your road to recovery
