Many people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction think they can fix the problem by simply cutting back on the amount they drink or use. Unfortunately, this is not an effective method. Addiction is a disease that changes the way an individual’s brain works. It changes brain chemistry, and the result is that the person will do virtually anything necessary to get hold of drugs or alcohol.

When a substance abuse problem becomes an addiction, using is not a matter of choice. Most of the time, there is no amount of willpower or motivation that will allow the addict to recover without an addiction treatment program. Support, counseling, and monitoring are essential to success. The addict must go through detox to rid the body of drugs, alcohol, and the toxins they leave behind. As long as these substances remain in the body, overpowering cravings for drugs and alcohol will be there. This is why it’s impossible to simply cut back on an addiction.
After the individual has reached the stage of addiction recovery, they may think it’s alright to return to having a few drinks or using drugs only on an occasional basis. This is simply not the case. The addiction will regain hold when it is given the chance, and the individual will relapse, requiring further help from a rehab center.

People who have a drug or alcohol abuse problem, on the other hand, may be able to simply cut back. Abuse is different from addiction in that it is a milder condition. Substance abuse is not considered a disease, while addiction is. Abuse is characterized as being able to quit using drugs and alcohol for a period of three days or more by choice. These individuals suffer negative consequences from their habit, but they are often able to cut back and live a more productive lifestyle. Counseling may be needed in order to do so.

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