Addiction: Is it Really a Disease as Believed by 12-step Drug Rehabilitation Programs?

Even though 12-step drug rehabilitation programs traditionally have extremely low success rates, many addicts and alcoholics continue to flock to this type of drug treatment. There are several reasons why.

Many 12-step drug rehabilitation programs receive state funding. Therefore, the required meetings are free. However, these programs spread the word that addiction is a disease, and there is “no known cure.” This belief contributes to the high relapse rates among members.

It’s easy to see why. If an addict believes that he suffers from an incurable disease, his belief system is already preset for failure.

That’s good for the 12-step drug rehabilitation program, because the “revolving door policy means that the government money will keep rolling in.

In 2003, the Baldwin Research Institute published an article on its website titled Alcoholism: A Disease of Speculation. It asserts that addiction is NOT a disease:

“The disease concept has proven to be far more damaging to the substance abuser then anyone could have predicted. Therapists claim the disease concept helps the patient to understand the seriousness of [his/her] problems. But in reality, this idea has backfired. The disease concept strips the substance abuser of responsibility. A disease cannot be cured by force of will.”

Yet, this is exactly what 12-step drug rehabilitation programs expect of their members.
Not only does the addict believe that he must abstain from drugs by sheer force of will, but he also believes that his addiction is a “disease;” an ailment outside of his control.

These beliefs contradict each other. It’s no wonder so many addicts relapse under this type of drug rehabilitation. In reality, 12-step drug rehabilitation programs offer no real solution for the addict seeking control over his life.

Drug rehabilitation should persuade the addict that he can overcome his addiction. He needs to know that his will and his power are not enough to be free of drug addiction.

Drug rehab programs that offer a true solution to drug addiction do exist. By stripping away the belief that addiction is a disease, these drug rehabilitation programs can return the addict to a healthy state. There is no incurable disease to combat. Not surprisingly, these alternative drug rehabilitation programs have a much higher success rate than the standard 12-Step drug rehabilitation programs. Vista Bay is just such a highly successful drug rehabilitation program.

Note: The complete study by the Baldwin Research Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction as well as other related articles can be found at www.baldwinresearch.com.

About the Author:
Kerry Johnson lives in the Bay area and is currently studying addiction and related issues. She has found in her research that the model of treatment offered at www.vistabay.com offers a complete solution to drug rehabilitation. If you plan to reproduce this article, please include the link above.