About Addiction
Addiction is a Brain Disease
Addiction is frequently described as a primary, chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease. However, research in the last decade tells us that addiction is a brain disease.
People are often reluctant to acknowledge alcohol addiction as a 'disease' because of voluntary first use of the chemical. Although someone chooses to use alcohol or other drugs initially, the changes that occur in the brain over time do not reflect a deliberate choice. Addiction changes the connections of the brain, effectively re-wiring you to need the drug/alcohol.
These changes are suspected of creating distortions that lead to consumption of drugs, despite the obvious consequences. Addiction causes us to take unthinkable measures, despite negative consequences, to feed itself.
Why can't addicts just stop?
When an addict develops drug dependence, it becomes very hard for them to stop the abuse. People who successfully overcome addiction, often find it very hard to do so by themselves.
Addicts are sometimes afraid and embarrassed to accept help. They often won't ask anyone for help, despite the desire they have to change their life. Some addicts who try to give up on their own suffer severe withdrawal symptoms and, ultimately, change their minds about getting sober.
Many people think there is no solution to strong drug-addiction. Drug addiction can be fought. The addict simply needs guidance, awareness, and support. Families and counselors play the most important role in fighting drug-addiction. A strong support system can help the addict recieve the constant motivation and strength they need to change.
Faith based recovery can be the key
Many former addicts swear the only thing that helped them overcome their drug and alcohol addiction was working with a faith-based treatment program.
Even if you do not believe in a divine being, faith-based addiction treatment is one of the best options available. If not in our own faith, where can someone trying to get sober find comfort?
The faith-based treatment program, alongside the 12 step program, offers a higher rate of success. Those who achieve long term sobriety generally have a loving higher power in their life to help guide them and restore them to sanity. Faith-based treatment programs such as Renaissance Ranch have proven to be successful for many years and will continue for years to come.