Ask Dr. Cash: Is it possible for me to recover?
Addiction is a chronic medical illness, that is oftentimes a combination of genetic heredity, personal choice and environmental factors. Years ago drug dependence was treated as an acute illness that could be “cured” virtually overnight. Thankfully, within the last decade we have learned that it should be treated as a long-term, chronic, relapsing illness.
Quick cures and overnight success are unrealistic expectations. However, when addiction is treated as the long-term, chronic, relapsing illness it really is, success rates are comparable to those associated with treating other chronic health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process, one that by its very nature may include relapse. Occasional relapses during recovery are to be expected and are by no means an indication of failure. For some individuals, recovery is a more lengthy process than it is for others. So long as efforts are being made on the part of the recovering individual to maintain sobriety and adhere to treatment and recovery program guidelines, progress will be made.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact the caring staff at Privy Oasis, LLC today. This month we are offering free screenings, so don’t let anymore time slip by—the sooner you reach out for an evaluation, the sooner your recovery can begin.
For more information on addiction and recovery, please read our article, Your Story Rewritten,
A New Chapter in Maintaining Sobriety
Always in Your Corner,
Taaka M. Cash
DNP, MPH, MSN, RN, FPMHNP-BC