PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The founders of ARC believe that in order for the treatment of addiction to be effective it must be holistic.  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.  The overt manifestation of addiction, is characterized not only by compulsive use of mind altering and/or mood changing chemicals but is also associated with other self destructive interpersonal and interpersonal patterns of behavior. 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 an individual’s physical and mental health increases as substance abuse escalates. The potential outcome of untreated addiction is incarceration, impairment of physical and/or mental health and in extreme cases, death.

Addiction is chronic in nature.  The best outcome a client may hope for is remission. Attempts to return to a "controlled” or “recreational” use of any mind altering and/or mood changing substances will reactivate the compulsion to use and bring about a return to behavior patterns that existed prior to treatment. The onset 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 enhances the probability of long-term recovery and reintegration into the family structure and community.

Left untreated, addiction is believed to be a terminal illness. Death may occur from primary physiological symptoms of alcohol or drug use (e.g., cirrhosis of the liver) or the secondary effects (e.g., cardiovascular disease) Death may also be the result of alcohol and drug related accidents or suicides.  Additionally, there are affective implications in long term, untreated addiction. Feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness lead to social isolation and failure of interpersonal relationships.

Addiction impairs the ability of the client to delay the need for gratification and to interact appropriately with others.  Decisions are made based on the need for immediate gratification. These decisions are usually self-serving and self-centered, indicating a lack of or an arrested spiritual development.  

Copyright © 2002, Alpha Recovery Centers, Inc.