Is Addiction a Disease?

Individuals are responsible for their actions, but it’s important to view their responsibility in the context of addiction being a disease. While they are accountable for their behaviors, these actions are often driven by the compulsive nature of their condition.

Addiction can diminish an individual’s ability to exercise control, as their brain’s response to substances alters significantly. This diminished control, however, does not absolve them of responsibility. It’s important for friends, family, and loved ones to approach accountability in a manner that leads to treatment and recovery, rather than through blame or confrontation.

The goal should be to guide them towards seeking help and maintaining accountability in a supportive and constructive way, recognizing the challenges they face due to their addiction. Acknowledging their responsibility also involves understanding the limitations imposed by addiction. People with addiction often realize the harm they are causing to themselves and others and may deeply wish to stop their substance use but find themselves unable to do so.

Identifying an addiction problem in someone can be challenging, as the signs can vary widely in their visibility. Some individuals might effectively hide their addiction, making it hard to notice, while others exhibit more evident signs.

Physical indications of addiction can include noticeable weight changes, neglect of personal hygiene, constant tiredness, shakes or tremors, bad breath, and frequent bloody noses. In addition to physical symptoms, there are often significant behavioral changes. These can manifest as a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, increased antisocial behavior, financial problems like borrowing or stealing money to fund the addiction, associating with a new social circle, or engaging in riskier behaviors.

Addiction can also lead to difficulties in managing responsibilities at work or school and strain on personal relationships. Psychological symptoms such as diminished motivation, paranoid thoughts, a negative self-image, and general apathy are common. In some cases, these psychological signs can coexist with or lead to other mental health issues.

Marcellus Wellness & Addiction offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to addiction treatment. Recognizing that addiction can have various causes and may coexist with other health issues like mental health disorders, the treatment plans at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction are designed to address the unique circumstances of each patient.

This personalized approach ensures that the treatment aligns with the specific needs and challenges faced by the individual in their journey toward recovery.

The treatment at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction typically includes psychiatric services, with a strong emphasis on talk and behavioral therapy. These therapies are crucial in helping patients understand and change the dynamics between their thoughts, behaviors, and actions, regaining control over their lives.

In addition to these therapies, lifestyle changes are also encouraged, including dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. Medication-assisted treatment is another key component, particularly using medications like Suboxone, which are effective in managing cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

This combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication represents a holistic approach to addiction treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition.

Completely preventing drug use and addiction is a complex challenge, as these issues can affect individuals from various backgrounds and for numerous reasons. Drug use can result from both recreational activities and the use of prescription medications.

While certain risk factors are associated with increased susceptibility to addiction, such as family history or underlying mental health conditions, addiction can sometimes occur even in the absence of these known risk factors.

To reduce the risk of addiction, it is advisable to avoid recreational drug use and to follow medical guidance strictly when using prescription medications, especially those with addictive potential like opioids. Open communication with healthcare providers and careful adherence to prescribed treatment plans are crucial. Additionally, addressing underlying mental health issues is an important step in mitigating the risk of developing an addiction.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes managing stress, engaging in hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also be beneficial in reducing vulnerability to addiction.

While it may not be possible to completely prevent addiction, being aware of the risks and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of its development. Talk to our provider for addiction treatment services at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction. We invite you to call us today or schedule an appointment online 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve clients from Bronx NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Queens NY, Rockville Centre NY, Staten Island NY, and the surrounding areas. We are open 24 hours a day, every day!