“Quit” and “cure” are two very different words. Both words imply an end to something – in this case, addiction–but each has its own meaning as it pertains to addiction as a behavioral symptom. What must first be evaluated before delving into the idea of curative probabilities is a balanced definition of addiction.
What Is Addiction
Addiction, as many will say and hold to be empirically true, is a disease. It is a disease because, through trial, error, and other bouts of yearning for definition, the reigning experts on addiction have declared and maintained that “disease” is the word of choice in application to addiction. Declared thusly, this does not mean that everyone has to abide by the rules of this definition, nor believe it to be true. You may find that in personal experience, addiction comes as a symptom of your inability to resist any attempt to numbing your negative emotions. “Symptom” can be the word of choice here as your mental or emotional struggles manifest themselves in these “needs” that further promote use. Addiction, in this definition, becomes secondary to a primary problem of emotional debilitation. A third and perhaps more promising definition is “side effect.” Addiction as a side effect allows it to exist alongside other factors that may or may not be a primary cause. If we look at addiction as something that comes about after, during, or sneakily before the varying problems we encounter in life, it can be said that addiction was never had with intention. Nobody sought out being addicted to drugs or alcohol under this school of thought. Addiction became apparent after use developed into dependency. [inline_cta_six]
The Need For Remedy
Whether you adhere to the notion that addiction is a disease, a symptom, a side effect, or something completely different, knowing that it’s commonly a problem makes for the need of a remedy. A cure implies that there is a final and absolute end to a problem, usually negating the probability of the illness returning. Addiction, for that reason, skirts the idea of being able to be unequivocally cured as we know it can return as a symptom, following hardships and other points of resurgence. If going with the idea that addiction is a side effect and not a disease, then we cannot safely say that addiction can be “cured,” as side effects can emerge for many reasons and the element of addiction that brings in dependency will commonly return along with use. The reinstated use of a drug on which one has already become dependent will often trigger dependency again, usually more quickly and intensely than before. The healing process and the steps that follow and may continue forever can be strenuous and tolling, but worth the effort of finally getting a sense of control over one’s own existence.
Addiction In Remission
In the many views of addiction, its causes and its definitions, there will always be a need, at the very least, for remission. In this mindset, we can compare addiction to cancer and continue to think about curative senses and points of relief. Those struggling with addiction and its many causes will feel that finding some level of self-control is, in essence, being cured of self-perceived illness. Addiction, for certain, feels much like an illness in that it contributes so heavily to more serious issues and it propels the feeling of being sick into a whole new territory. When the struggle becomes unbearable and is still apparent as a bodily desire, there must be some basis for establishing that basic notion that a “cure” is available. Just as cancer allows for the sufferer to be cured only at a state of remission, with the possibility always present for cancer to reemerge, substance use and addiction can always come back into our lives after using again. Just one use of a drug to which we were formerly addicted can bring about associated feelings that cause the second use, then the third, and so on, until body and mind are under the control of drugs once more.
The State Of Remission
Being in remission, or being able to describe yourself as “cured” of addiction, is possible. It is perfectly feasible to have a life free from the hold of drugs and alcohol, and furthermore, absolutely possible to never have addiction enter your life again. Your cure can come from any number of effects that cause your desire to change in a great way. You may even be surprised by what triggers you to seek help or to quit doing drugs on your own. Some curative actions could come from:
- Beginning a new relationship
- Expecting a new child
- Getting hired for a new job
- Being accepted into college
- Reuniting with old friends
- Repairing family relationships
Whatever comes about that causes a change in your heart and lends to your strength to fight against the drug that holds control over you, know that a “cure” for addiction can be had by anyone. Everyone’s journey is different, everyone’s struggle is real and can seem like a never-ending battle, but even with the idea of healing is better described as a state of remission, it is the change of life that really keeps you healthy.
Holding On To Remission
The best and only way to remain “cured” of addiction is to abstain from the use of addicting substances. Habitual use of something other than what you were originally addicted to can just as easily pose a threat to your status of sobriety as your brain will still have the tendency to propel into a mode of dependency. Keeping sober – like remaining cancer-free – requires many extra steps on your part. Being in remission means having “checkups” and doing maintenance to keep yourself in recovery mode. The cure is possible, but you will need to always keep yourself in remission in order to be “cured” of addiction.
Get Into Treatment – Get The Cure
Today is the day for you to take that stride into remission. A cure is possible for you, so reach out and get into the best treatment for your needs. Contact Vertava Health for help and information on getting into a rehab center or outpatient program today.
