Many neuro studies have dubbed addiction to drugs and alcohol a disease, citing how these substances impair and compel the brain. Following a brain disease model helps explain why addiction is a repetitive cycle that is so tough to break. Understanding this scientifically-backed explanation and following its stages might be the answer that recovery centers have been looking for to successfully rehabilitate and detox their patients. 

What This Model Tackles

The disease model of addiction delves into the three repeating phases of addiction; binge/intoxication, withdrawal, and preoccupation/anticipation. The binge and intoxication phase refers to the period when an abuser is currently using their drug of choice. The withdrawal stage is when a person is no longer inebriated and is experiencing the negative symptoms that come after. The preoccupation and anticipation phase is perhaps the most dangerous point in the cycle — this is when a person succumbs to their need for their addiction or is able to push past it. 

Looking deeper into the model reveals which parts of the brain each of these points affects. This gives recovery centers insight into how to help their patients through these stages as they begin their detox program since different parts of the brain trigger different reactions in individuals. 

How This Model Helps Someone in Recovery

This model can greatly assist a person in their path to recovery at a rehabilitation center by providing different treatments as they pass through the binge, withdrawal, and preoccupation points. People can be treated medically, psycho-therapeutically and through social services as they make their way through the cycle, hopefully putting a stop to their struggle after the final detox. 

By using different professionals to address each stage, addicts can be properly assisted through the process and be given correct attention as they re-train their bodies and brains to function without the substance in question.

Overcome the difficult cycle of addiction with assistance from a professional and compassionate addiction recovery center, such as the Woodhaven Residential Treatment Center in Dayton, OH. This drug and alcohol recovery center caters to clients in all 88 counties, bringing them into a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities-accredited facility. Patients will receive one-on-one care and go through three phases of treatment to ensure a full recovery is possible. Check out the FAQ on their website to learn more about their program, or call (937) 813-1737 to start enrollment.