Addiction is a complicated disease, one that affects millions of Americans on an annual basis. There are numerous symptoms associated with addiction, the most common being:
- Continuing to use chemical substances despite a desire to quit
- Using more of the substance than intended for a longer period than intended
- Isolating from friends and family members and avoiding activities that used to be held in high esteem
- Experiencing a lack of motivation to fulfill personal obligations at work, at school, or home
- Experiencing a range of serious consequences directly linked to drug or alcohol use
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite damaged physical health or mental well-being
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when drug or alcohol use is stopped suddenly for any reason
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time obtaining the chemical substance and using the chemical substance
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time recovering from the effects of the chemical substance
- Developing a physical tolerance towards the substance of choice
These symptoms vary on a person-to-person basis, but most individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol will experience some or all of the above-listed symptoms. 
Why is Substance Abuse a Chronic and Progressive Disease?
Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease. But what does this mean? Chronic disease is a disease with no known cure. This means that the symptoms associated with addiction can be effectively treated, but the disease can never be cured. for a person to stay sober he or she will need to commit to a long-term program of recovery – one that continues long after treatment concludes. Usually, this means that a person will need to continue with individual therapy and continue with Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, or another 12 step program. if a person decides to stop going to meetings or stop doing what they need to do to ensure that they stay sober, he or she is at risk of relapse.
More About How Addiction is Chronic and Progressive
What does “progressive” mean concerning drug abuse and alcoholism? When addiction is referred to as progressive, it simply means that the symptoms will continue to worsen over time if they are not effectively treated. Addiction is a disease that only gets worse if the afflicted individual does not seek help. if you or someone you love has been struggling with addiction, it is important to seek professional help by way of a medical treatment center and an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab. If you have been struggling with addiction and you are looking to get clean and stay clean for the remainder of your life, reach out to Evoke Wellness today.
Evoke Wellness and Addiction Recovery
At Evoke Wellness, we have a dedicated team of professionals who have combined decades of experience treating substance abuse issues of all types. Simply give us a call and we will quickly determine whether or not our program of recovery is the best fit for you and your specific clinical requirements. If it is determined that our treatment program is a good fit, we will begin developing a plan of action for your intake. First, we set a date for your intake and then we help arrange travel plans. Next, we work through potential coverage options – at Evoke Wellness we work closely with most major health insurance providers throughout Southern Florida. This makes our treatment program more accessible to men and women throughout the area who have been struggling with substance abuse and dependence. To learn more about our addiction recovery program or to begin your recovery journey, call us today. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you and your loved one in any and every way that we can.
