Addiction Redefined as a Disease

The medical community has officially redefined the word addiction, previously assumed to be an individual behavioral issue, now to be defined as an actual brain disease. The American Society for Addiction Medicine’s two decades worth of neuroscience have uncovered how addiction hijacks different parts of the brain, it explains what prompts addictive behaviors, and why these behaviors can be so hard to overcome. The new definition of addiction, as it states on the ASAM website, 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.”

Recovery from addiction is best achieved through a combination of self-management, mutual support, and professional care provided by trained and certified professionals. Boston, Massachusetts (MA) citizens who struggle with any kind of addiction—whether it be drugs, alcohol, eating, gambling, or any other addictive behavior—should now understand that addiction is a real disease that requires proper treatment. Not only do addicts need to psychologically commit themselves to the recovery process, but adding a support network along with professional treatment is the route that needs to be taken in order to have a successful rehabilitation with no subsequent relapse. Addiction treatment programs at Seabrook are designed to work with the patient as an individual because like the person, each individual recovery is unique based on personal experiences, biological makeup, and their brain’s reward system.

Seabrook is the professional care that Boston, Massachusetts (MA) people need as a part of the combination formula for successful addiction recovery (self management, mutual support, and professional care). Seabrook is committed to providing quality addiction treatment for the physical, emotional and spiritual illness of chemical dependency. Our structured, nurturing programs, along with the principles grounded in the Twelve Step philosophy of recovery, combine to foster the kind of change necessary for a clean and sober life. Located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ)—roughly a 6 hour drive or about an hour flight from Boston, Massachusetts (MA)—Seabrook has a wide range of addiction treatment services include intensive stabilization (also known as detoxification), individual and group therapy, and education in the biological, social and spiritual aspects of addiction in residential treatment. Contact Seabrook today to start on the road to recovery!