Ask five people to define addiction, and you might get five different answers. However, one of the beliefs that people commonly have is that addiction is a choice. In fact, medical professionals and scientists now know addiction for what it truly is: a disease with concrete symptoms that treatment can help with.
Define Addiction Using the Symptoms
This more realistic and compassionate way to define addiction isn’t just beneficial for those seeking to treat substance use disorder. It also provides encouragement to you if you’re in the midst of addiction. Regardless of your drug of choice, you probably experience several of the following symptoms:
- Over time, you need more of the drug to get the desired effect
- You crave the drug if you try to stop using it
- More and more of your energy is being spent thinking about the drug, using it and worrying about where to get your next dose
- You’ve been secretive or dishonest about your drug use and may have even stolen from friends, relatives or strangers to get the drug
- You have given up people and activities you once loved in favor of the drug
- Your job, relationships and/or finances have suffered as a result of your drug use
Regardless of how you define addiction, you may see yourself in some or all of the above symptoms. Fortunately, there is hope.
Destructive Recovery Myth
Part of how you define addiction has to do with what you think about recovery. Many people mistakenly believe that in order to beat their substance use disorder, they must express a 100% commitment to overcome it from the get-go. This is an unfortunate misconception that keeps many people from seeking the help they need. In reality, the process of recovery, including evidence-based practice and therapy, has great power. Even if you’re not absolutely optimistic that you can heal from your addiction and live a full life, rehab can work if you let it.
Get the Support You Need at Crestview Recovery
In beautiful Portland, Oregon, Crestview Recovery can help you heal from addiction as a whole person. We have a strong commitment to your physical, emotional and spiritual recovery. Additionally, we customize every stage of your program to promote lasting success.
At Crestview Recovery, we define addiction by considering your unique needs and situation. After a thorough evaluation of your physical, mental and emotional health, we will craft a recovery program just for you. It may consist of the following:
- Complete continuum of programs including off-site detox, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and aftercare
- Evidence-based addiction therapy to help you understand the causes and triggers of your substance use
- Group therapy for peer support and life skills education
- Social and recreational activities including hiking, white water rafting, and snowboarding for physical fitness and a positive alternative to drug use
- Holistic treatment for emotional and spiritual balance including massage, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness meditation
You no longer need to carry the unbearable burden of addiction or the belief that you are beyond help. Reach out to our caring Crestview Recovery counselors today at 866.262.0531. Your amazing transformation can begin today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
