Addiction is a chronic disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines addiction as “a physical and psycho-emotional disease that creates a dependence or need toward a substance, activity, or relationship. It is characterized by a set of signs and symptoms involving biological, genetic, psychological, and social factors.”
At CCAdicciones, we never tire of emphasizing that addiction is a chronic disease. It is a physical and mental disorder that requires professional help and detoxification treatment. It is identified as a chronic disease because it is lifelong. The individual will need to make a daily effort and engage in constant work. Despite its chronic nature, it is possible to overcome this disease and live a life free from addiction forever.
Why Is Addiction a Chronic Disease?
Drugs stimulate the release of dopamine. Repeated consumption of psychoactive substances modifies the structure and normal functioning of the brain. In some cases, the damage caused is irreversible. In others, recovery can occur progressively when consumption ceases. Additionally, they also modify the reward system. The addict loses control and ceases to be in command of their actions, behavior, and even thoughts. Initially, it is the individual who decides whether to use or not, but when abuse becomes more evident and progresses to the dependence phase, the individual loses the ability to decide.
Stigmatization of Addiction
It is essential that society recognizes addiction for what it is: a disease. Generally speaking, addiction continues to be identified as a decision the individual makes and can control. That is, they do it because they want to, and if they wanted to stop, they would succeed through willpower. This may be true initially. The person in question makes the decision to begin using. However, there are many elements that can lead to the development of an addiction: genetic, environmental, mental…
Over the years, this idea has been repeated so often that even addicts themselves do not identify as ill. They do not believe they have a disease, but simply that they are unable to say no to their addiction. If addiction were defined as a disease—not in scientific terms, which it already is, but at a social level—it would represent significant progress. It would facilitate the entire addiction recovery process. Addicts would not feel singled out and judged. Therefore, it would be more common to seek help because it would not be a taboo subject. It would also be simpler for them to reintegrate into normal life. The reintegration of individuals with a chronic disease such as addiction would be easier because they would not carry the stigma of addicts or former addicts.
5 Main Characteristics of the Disease of Addiction
Depending on the addiction, the individual will experience different consequences according to the type of addiction. If it is a substance addiction, it also depends on the drug, or if it is a behavioral addiction. Nevertheless, common characteristics can be distinguished across all addictions, such as:
- Loss of control. This is the element that best defines an addiction: not controlling the behavior. Feeling an extreme need to use or carry out an action. The individual ceases to have decision-making power because they are completely subject to their dependence.
- Physical deterioration. Any addiction will have harmful effects on the individual’s physical condition. Physical appearance worsens considerably, whether due to drug use or the neglect that accompanies a behavioral addiction.
- Irritability. Mood swings, extreme euphoria suddenly shifting to extreme sadness, bad mood… Addiction affects how the individual feels, and their emotional state reflects this.
- Feelings of guilt. It may seem contradictory that the addict feels guilty while simultaneously denying their addiction and continuing to use. The disease of addiction generates an uncontrollable desire to use or engage in the addictive behavior. The individual experiences it as an extreme need. For this reason, it is common for them to reject any help offered. However, at the same time, they feel guilty. In moments of clarity, they are aware of the harm they are causing themselves and their loved ones.
- Negative effects on their environment. Addiction primarily affects the user, who is the one experiencing the disorder firsthand. However, it is a disease that impacts the entire environment. Their friends, family, partner, responsibilities, work, studies… Every aspect of the addict’s life is affected.
Addiction Recovery: Detoxification Treatments
Due to our experience helping individuals with addictions and families, we have combined various therapies and treatments to develop an exclusive and highly effective treatment approach for patients at our CCAdicciones centers.
This is a toxin-free treatment for individuals who need to detoxify or withdraw from toxic substances, whether they are in a phase of abuse or dependence. At CCAdicciones, we know it is possible to overcome addiction, and we offer the highest guarantees and security to achieve this. We provide the best services. We have a center located in an idyllic and tranquil setting, the perfect place to start over, appropriate facilities, and a team of professionals who are experts in the disease of addiction. Thanks to their knowledge of addictions, they will provide detoxification treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.
Substance addictions require detoxification treatment so that the addict learns to live without depending on a drug. To overcome these addictions, we have detoxification treatments for alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, ketamine, and new synthetic drugs. Regarding behavioral addictions, our center offers treatments to overcome addiction to gambling, sex, new technologies, and shopping.
Ask for help
If you need help overcoming any addiction, whether with or without substances, do not hesitate to contact us. CCAdicciones is a private therapeutic and detoxification clinic for addictions and dual pathology with health registration. We are at your disposal for whatever you need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is always a way out.
