Advances in mental health, neuroscience and imaging technology have allowed the American Medical Association to classify addiction as a chronic, often-relapsing brain disease (substance use disorder) that causes compulsive use of mind or mood-altering substances, despite harmful consequences to the individual and those around them.
The only solution to substance use disorders is total abstinence from all addictive substances. The disease model considers addiction a progressive disease that is irreversible even if one achieves total abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Once past traumas, family influences and substance abuse are dealt with in a rehab facility, daily repetitive substance abuse treatment is required to prevent relapsing.
GateHouse Treatment allows clients to build a new life focused on sobriety and recovery with peer-group support and help from behavioral therapy and mental health professionals in the field. In our substance abuse and mental health treatment programs, clients find the inspiration to dive into the recovery process and the hope they need to make sobriety a way of life.