Recovery from Addiction is Possible

The observance of National Recovery Month, according to SAMHSA(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible.

By: Cindy Suzek – Clinical Services Manager of the Herrington Recovery Center

Addiction is classified as an illness and most people who don’t understand treatment for addiction also don’t realize that. The definition of addiction is as follows: 
*Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

Recovery is generally a life-long process which people who are experiencing recovery will tell you that it usually starts with a realization that this disease has taken over the thought process of the addicted person. At Rogers’ Herrington Recovery Center, the Herrington team shares the clinical expectations for those in their care and demonstrated gains for residents from admission to discharge. The graphic shows the criteria for care so that the expectations of the treatment team and patient are clearly defined throughout the treatment process. At Rogers we are dedicated to recovery and exist to assist the individuals and families in our care in achieving it.

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