In addition to the treatment of the primary illness of chemical dependency or substance abuse it must also address the psychological and social behaviors which precipitate substance abuse and are exacerbated by prolonged, chronic use. Long term recovery is dependent upon changing these self-destructive behaviors. Addiction is progressive. Left untreated, and addict's physical and psychological dependence upon their drug of choice continues to escalate. The negative impact upon individuals physical and mental health increases as substance abuse escalates.
Addiction is chronic in nature.
The best outcome a client may hope for is remission. The on-set of symptoms returns more rapidly than when the behavior was first acquired. The belief in total abstinence from any mind altering or mood changing substance is the foundation of the ARC philosophy. ARC holds the belief that addiction is treatable providing the addict is willing to work a daily recovery program. It is further believed that treatment of an addict's family and significant others enhance's the probability of long term recovery and reintegration into the family structure and community.