Millions of people in the United States live with substance abuse and addiction. Addiction is a complex condition with roots in a person’s emotions, behaviors, genetics, and more. Overcoming addiction can be challenging. Many people require intensive treatment and ongoing support to put addiction in the past and avoid relapse.

Many addiction experts think of substance use disorder (SUD) as a disease. If drug and alcohol addiction is a disease, is there a cure for it?

This article will explore the possibility of curing an addiction.

If you or a loved one live with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Compassionate, effective treatment is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn how we support the addiction recovery process, or schedule an appointment.

How Does Addiction Develop?

People may begin using drugs or alcohol for different reasons. People may be curious, want to fit in with a group of peers, or want specific effects from these substances. Some may use these substances to cope with emotional or physical pain.

Over time, substance abuse can change the way a person’s body and brain work. These changes can make it very challenging for people to stop using drugs or alcohol when they choose. People who become addicted to drugs or alcohol can experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop.

Addiction can develop slowly over many months or years or in just a few uses, depending on the type of substance a person abuses. When someone becomes addicted to a substance, they cannot function without it.

Most people with drug or alcohol addiction need intensive treatment to address the roots of their addiction and move forward. Addiction treatment plans typically include treatment for mental health conditions, medical care, education, and behavioral therapies.

Many addiction treatment centers offer several levels of care, including both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. This allows each person to get the individualized help they need.

Is There a Cure for Addiction?

Many medical professionals believe that addiction is a chronic disease. This means that there is no “cure” for it. However, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) advocates that people can treat addiction successfully and maintain their recoveries for life.

People with addiction must learn new skills and develop recovery plans that help them avoid relapse for the rest of their lives. People may begin to develop these skills during a drug rehab program.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Does Rehab Cure Addiction?

Drug rehab programs do not “cure” addiction. However, they can help people identify and address the roots of their addiction, allowing them to manage this condition for life.

Here is an overview of what to expect during a rehab program and how it supports long-term addiction recovery.

Detox

People with addiction may require intensive support during the detox process. A detox treatment plan may include:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Drug tapering programs
• Mental health treatment
• Supervision
• Emotional support
• Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body

Research shows that medical and mental health support during detox can improve outcomes. This intensive support and supervision ensure people remain safe and on track throughout detox.

Talk therapy

Talk therapy is critical in addiction recovery programs. People may engage in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and other forms of therapy that can help them make meaningful changes in how they think, feel, and behave.

Participating in therapy allows people to explore their thoughts and emotions in new ways. It also lets people set goals and have support while working toward them.

Group therapy

Many rehab programs use group therapy to help people process their experiences and learn from one another. Participating in group therapy can give people new coping skills and reduce isolation during recovery.

Relapse prevention education

People in recovery must learn about addiction as a manageable disease. They must also learn effective, healthy coping skills to reduce the risk of relapse. Rehab programs may offer relapse prevention education that focuses on relationships, communication, healthy coping strategies, and more.

Holistic therapies

Holistic therapies can provide an outlet for stress and other emotions. People may participate in:

• Art, music, and other types of creative expression
• Exercise
• Yoga
• Mindfulness
• Nutrition support
• Animal therapy
• Nature therapy

These and other holistic practices can soothe the mind and body during addiction recovery. They also provide opportunities to connect with others, improve general health, and develop healthy coping skills as people work to overcome addiction.

Aftercare support

Aftercare is an essential aspect of recovery. An aftercare plan may include treatment, support, and activities that may help people maintain their recoveries. An aftercare plan might consist of:

• Regular mental health and medical care
• Individual counseling
• Support groups
• Sober living
• Other levels of addiction treatment
• 12-step meetings

Having an aftercare plan can help people stay on track on their lifelong recovery journeys.

Find Treatment and Support Now

Rehab can’t cure addiction. However, getting treatment and ongoing support can help you recover and move forward.

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, seek treatment right away. Find the compassionate treatment and support you need at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to explore our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. Psychiatry Online: Addiction Is a Brain Disease, and It Matters
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Treatment and Recovery