Addictions - Today Inc.

Addiction | Today Inc.

The Disease of Addiction

At Today, Inc. we believe that addiction/alcoholism is a physical, mental and spiritual disease that affects every area of one’s life (thinking, feelings, beliefs, world views, relationships with others and with self). Sometimes, in our society addiction may be viewed as a moral deficiency. We believe that those who suffer from this disease are no more in control of it than if they had diabetes or another chronic illness. However, just as an individual can take insulin to arrest their diabetes, so an addict/alcoholic can take steps to arrest their disease.

Total abstinence from all drugs and alcohol is the cornerstone of our teaching and is key to success in recovery. We believe that once a person has crossed the line into addictive patterns of using, they can never successfully return to “social using.” Over the course of our three-plus decades in the field we have learned that if a person returns to using at any time they seem to pick up where they left off. Many times this leads to greater and more accelerated destruction than they had thought possible.

Treatment programming at Today, Inc. includes educational and therapeutic interventions specifically designed to break through an individual’s denial and to help establish a realistic view of their disease. Once a client is able to see the toll that addiction is exacting on their lives, they can begin to develop skills that will help them cope with whatever triggers their addictive behaviors. With these new skills, one can begin to lead a happy, productive and responsible life.

Substance Abuse & Co-Ocurring Disorders (CODs)

A co-occurring disorder exists when an individual is affected by both chemical dependency and an emotional/behavioral illness. Common disorders include but are not limited to:

Depression
Bipolar Disorder
ADHD
PTSD
Dysthymia
Eating Disorders
Conduct Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Both substance abuse disorders and mental disorders impact the individual’s ability to function physically, socially, psychologically, and spiritually. Statistics indicate that 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug users also have at least one serious mental illness. An individual with a co-occurring disorder may sincerely attempt sobriety, but if the mental illness is ignored the likelihood of relapse increases significantly. It is impossible to separate out each disorder and assign it exclusive responsibility for current stressors. Therefore, both problems should be treated simultaneously. Upon admission to Today, Inc. client’s will receive an evaluation to rule out the existence of an emotional or behavioral disorder. If a client is diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, treatment options will be explored (e.g., an enhanced psychotherapy schedule, psychopharmacology).

To Learn More About the Disease of Addiction

Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is a source of statistics, data, research, and referrals useful for developing or implementing drug policy. Clearinghouse staff respond to drug policy information requests from Federal, State, and local policymakers, criminal justice and public health practitioners, researchers and academicians, the media, and the general public.

Self-Help Organizations

For a more comprehensive listing of important links click here.