Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction and Alcoholism: Treatable Illnesses

by Jonathan Huttner

Research has found that drug addiction and alcoholism share many of the characteristics of chronic illnesses, which supports the idea that these are conditions deserving of proper treatment. Drug addiction and alcoholism are often treated as acute conditions, so establishing them as chronic illnesses may change the way they are treated and insured.

Authors Thomas McLellan, Ph.D and Herbert D. Kleber, M.D. have found underlying similarities between chronic illnesses and drug addiction and alcoholism in their research. In the area of genetic heritability, for example, studies of monozygotic and dizygotic twins have found heritability estimates of .25 to .50 for hypertension; .80 for type 2 and .30 for type 1 diabetes; and .36 to .70 for asthma. Heritability estimates for the drug addictions are similar, ranging from .34 for heroin dependence, .55 for alcoholism, .52 for marijuana dependence, and .61 for dependence on cigarettes.

Most people see drug addiction and alcoholism as conditions brought on by voluntary activities. They feel that people have chosen to abuse drugs or alcohol, and so drug addiction and alcoholism should not be classified as chronic illnesses. However, what many people don't realize is that there are various chronic illnesses that may have resulted due to voluntary activities as well. For example, the chronic illness of hypertension may be a result of obesity, stress level, salt sensitivity, and physical inactivity. All of these factors are due to voluntary activities or choices.

There is no standard "cure" for drug addiction or alcoholism at this time, but addiction treatment has been shown to improve a person's chances of recovery. If you are looking for an effective drug addiction treatment program or alcohol rehab, call the national addiction treatment helpline at 1-800-820-5841.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which has treated over 7,000 people from throughout the United States. Jonathan has been involved in the field of addiction and eating disorder treatment for the last 25 years.