The old adage that once you are and “addict” that you will always be an “addict ” may not be true. Are drug addiction and alcoholism true diseases with genetic predispositions, which mean if you have had trouble with either in the past you will always be at a higher risk than the general population? The answer surprisingly to most people seems to be no.
The research shows the longer the period of sobriety after a period of substance abuse, the lower the chance of relapse. At approximately 5 years of sobriety, the probability for relaspe are the same as the odds of anyone in the general population. If there was a real predisposition to addiction, even after extended periods of being clean and sober, the chance of relapse or developing a second addiction would have to be higher than the general population.
It would appear, that drug addiciton and alcoholism are more behavioral in nature and when treated and corrections are properly made, people can move on and lead normal fulfilling lives. This is great news as people may not have to view themselves as “branded” an alcoholic for the rest of their days. Also when looking for a drug rehab facility, one stressing cognitive behavioral therapy would likely be a better choice.
