Whether someone suffers from an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or sex, addiction isn’t something you wish upon another person. Human nature is flawed and some of us have a higher vulnerability to becoming an addict. Unfortunately, the stigma addicts face is that addiction is a choice. The poor understanding of addiction is something that can cause an addict who desperately needs help to avoid entering a treatment center.

Is Addiction A Choice?

The debate of choice versus disease is one with a long history. The founder of the 12-step program, Bill W., believed that addiction was a disease and that it was also treatable. Addiction isn’t unlike other diseases in which some individuals are at higher risk for developing due to their environment and/or genetics. There are studies that show when individuals have addiction in their family their risks for becoming an addict increase. Additionally, there are strong links between lifestyle and addiction.

Addiction is also similar to other diseases in the amount of pain and distress it causes. That pain will often make individuals turn on loved ones and resent them when they are struggling with addiction because everyone including the addict suffers consequences of the disease. People think that an addict in their life is selfish and only loves him or herself because they are making the choice to use. As more research into addiction is done, we have learned that addiction is no choice, but rather it is a disease.

Why Is Addiction A Disease And Not A Choice?

We are made differently. It is very common to speak with a healthy adult that has drunk an alcoholic beverage in their life and tried some type of drug at some point too. That doesn’t mean that the individual who has tried alcohol at drugs has had them take over their life. Some people can have a drink or try a drug and move on. Others simply cannot. Individuals who struggle control when in the presence of alcohol or drugs are referred to as having “ism.” 

The body and mind will actually change with the introduction of drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse has a negative effect on the brain’s functioning due to the various chemicals that are released. Drugs and alcohol can impact the brain by making it feel satisfied and good. As the user continues to ingest alcohol or drugs, the brain continues to trigger these rewarding feelings with the substance. Then, in the absence of the substance, addicts have a difficult time obtaining these gratifying feelings. The brain now requires the substance to produce positive feelings.

Addiction is a disease of the brain. Unfortunately, because addiction so dramatically affects the brain’s functioning even if an addict is successful in getting sober, they are still quite vulnerable to relapse. The changes in the brain are such that it will last a lifetime cause a person to have a much lower willpower threshold. 

How Can Treatment Help You Become Sober?

Is Addiction A ChoiceTreatment by a professional or team of professionals at a medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center gives addicts the tools and resources to understand these changes and to combat lowered willpower. This is terrific news for addicts. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, there is hope and you can be treated. When you are open to treatment and to healing, you can do it.

The medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place in Tennessee have the support and tools you need to beat your addiction, to heal your body and mind, and to remain sober after treatment. Call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center anytime at 1-800-725-0922.

 

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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