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Addictions Recovery: When Knowing the Facts Can Help
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Quantity in Basket: None
Code: nwl987-DLD1.pdf
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Individuals with substance use disorders require continuing care because of the nature and course of the illness. Drug addiction is a complex illness. It is characterized by compulsive-at times uncontrollable-drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence (NIDA, 1999). Addiction can cause permanent changes in brain structure and chemistry. This is demonstrated through three decades of scientific research and clinical practice that have yielded a variety of effective approaches to drug addiction treatment (Harvard, 2007; NIDA, 1999; Dennis et al, in press). It is not just illicit drug use but also misuse of prescribed medications. Illicit substance abuse is a major national public health problem that creates impaired health, harmful behaviors, and major economic and social burdens...but there are effective medical and public health approaches to the problem." (Physician Leadership on National Drug Policy, 2002).
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