Addiction to alcohol or drugs is a disease with predictable symptoms and phases. Addiction is a compulsive psychological need for a habit-forming substance and, left untreated, can be fatal. Alcoholism and addiction have symptoms like any other disease. Addicts experience a loss of control in the use of mood altering drugs, a compulsive dependency on chemicals and continued use in spite of dire consequences. With addiction comes the deterioration of a normal, healthy lifestyle.
Addiction is marked by denial, delusion, defiance and defensiveness.
Family, friendship and social relationships weaken, children are often neglected or abused, jobs are jeopardized or lost, finances fall into disarray and legal problems may occur. This deteriorating lifestyle does not need to continue. People can, and do, recover from addiction. T reatment The Addiction Recovery Center treats alcohol and drug dependence as a primary disease. ARC provides several different programs that offer personalized attention, a pleasant environment and the necessary encouragement for recovery.