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Throughout history, society has celebrated the eradication of harmful disease. From the creation of the smallpox vaccine in 1793 to the polio vaccine in 1953, we love to know that we can overcome and stop the disease in its tracks. It should come as no surprise then that one of the most questions we often get asked the most is, “How does our family cure this disease?”. Unfortunately, substance use disorders , or the disease of addiction, isn’t the same as smallpox and polio; there is not a “silver bullet” fix, a vaccine, or a pill that cures this deadly affliction.
Unlike illnesses that have a primary biological and genetic epidemiology, addiction is considered a biological, psychological, and social disease. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as “a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long lasting.” What this ultimately means is that the causes of addiction are largely contributed to a multitude of factors including a person’s environment, their genetics and physical makeup, as well as their interpersonal relationships (or lack of).
As you can imagine, a disease that is caused by physiological factors or environmental factors is a much easier puzzle to solve when seeking out a cure. Vaccines, the most common form of cures, are built to prepare the body to fight off and prevent disease and illness. Addiction, though, is not caused only by these types of contributing factors. Genetics and environment can play a role in addiction.
Science has shown that genetics are half of the problem, while the other half is comprised of the physical and social environment a person exists in. Research has been undertaken that seeks to explore the genetic predisposition for addiction further, and while researchers for the National Institute of Health (NIH) have found potential genetic markers they believe can predict whether a person is at-risk, they are no closer to a potential vaccine or another type of medical cure for addiction. The continued search for a cure though has not stopped. The 21st Century Cures Initiative, led by Representative Fred Upton, calls for over 1.8 billion dollars per year to be spent on NIH research exploring the matter.
Though society has benefited greatly from the eradication of devastating disease, there is still hope when the disease is not curable, but only treatable. Similar to addiction, the chronic illness of diabetes and cardiovascular disease are treatable and manageable with a wide range of therapeutic solutions. For many that have successfully intervened on and are currently managing their addiction, you will hear the concept of “recovery” talked about openly. Two and a half million people every year start their journey to recovery through professional treatment. Professional treatment can consist of detoxification, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or standard outpatient solutions. Many of these types of treatment are offered here at Palmer Lake, and staff has helped thousands start their own journey of managing the disease.
If there is no viable cure for substance use disorders, and prevention, intervention, and professional treatment are the recommended ways to manage the disease, what does that mean for you and your family?
Professional treatment, through the various programs mentioned previously, is a myriad of services that comprehensively address the complex nature of addiction. NIDA recommends that successful treatment programs provide the following:
Medication is often associated with curing an ailment, or the successful management of symptoms of the ailment. Addiction, though it cannot be cured with medication at this point, does have certain medications that are used to help in the management of the disease. From aiding in the detoxification process to helping curb cravings (and stop triggers), medication can play a vital role in the recovery process. As with any medication regiment, it is important that any and all medication be taken only under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional.
While there may not be a cure for addiction, you shouldn’t let it deter you or your loved ones from pursuing a life of recovery. Substance use disorders can be successfully intervened on and managed with a plan of recovery. Whether you or a loved one need help with addiction, our staff can help develop a plan of action to overcoming the disease. Even without a cure for addiction, recovery is possible.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
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