Cure for addiction

From Drug Rehab Wiki

The idea that there is a cure for addiction has been promulgated over the years by various practitioners and programs. There is little empirical evidence that this is the case, and in fact, some of those promoting a cure also state that addiction is not a disease. If it is a not a disease, then what are you curing? Research indicates that addiction is indeed a disease with a progressive nature similar to other chronic diseases.

The term "cure" can also be used in a less strict sense. The cure for alcoholism is abstinence, for example. There is a tendency to get caught up in semantics rather than focus on the most effective forms of treatment. Alcoholism has a high rate of relapse, which would indicate any cure is poor at best. If you look at the empirical evidence regarding what elements create the greatest likelihood of long-term abstinence, it is clear that long-term follow-up is essential.

Alcoholics who get initial treatment and then continue in after-care, 12 step programs, and therapy (particularly cognitive behavioral therapy)show the greatest success rates. In fact, researchers have correlated length of treatment with positive outcomes.

When assessing any organization that claims to cure addiction you should check with the state licensing agency about any statistical evidence the organization gives you. It is highly doubtful that these treatment centers can back up claims such as 80% cure rates. All empirical evidence in the treatment field would make it clear that this is an impossible number to achieve, and it is likely they are simply making it up.

Beware of anyone who tells you they have a "cure rate." Outcome studies are rare in the addiction treatment space, and until drug rehabs study relapse rates among clients using independent, third-party resources, any claim of a cure rate should be considered fraudulent.

Buying the Addiction Cure (LA Weekly)