Addiction, a complex and devastating disease, affects millions in the United States alone. With over 21 million individuals grappling with addiction, it’s a crisis that demands our attention. Among these, 15 million suffer from alcohol use disorder, while 3 million battle opioid use disorder, a leading cause of injury-related deaths. In 2015, over 50,000 people succumbed to overdose. This is a remarkably high number, but to illustrate the prevalence and severity of the disease of addiction, compare it to the number of overdose deaths in 2023, which tops 112,000. In eight years, the number shave more than doubled—a stark reminder of the epidemic’s severity.
As we confront this pervasive issue, it’s imperative to recognize addiction not merely as a behavioral flaw but as a medical condition. Despite being a disease with identifiable symptoms and treatment options, we often fall short in providing adequate care. Addressing addiction requires a shift in perspective, understanding it from a human standpoint. By acknowledging its prevalence and impact, we can begin to stem the tide of this crisis.
Addiction is a predictable, chronic medical condition that affects nearly 16% of the population in the United States. It is a progressive disease, which means that if untreated, it will worsen over time. It is also a life-long disease, and while it may enter remission, it must still be managed.
You can think of it like cancer. When a person is in long-term, sustained remission, we recognize that their body is free from detectable cancer. However, they still go in for regular, frequent screenings because we also recognize that they are at greater risk of a reoccurrence. Similarly, addiction, even when a person is in long-term, sustained remission, must be managed, and sobriety must be actively maintained.
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