Addiction and mental health disorders are treatable, but not curable. While these are both ways of alleviating suffering, they are not the same thing.
Curing a condition means that you get rid of it entirely. Treating, on the other hand, is when you use methods to help control the condition and improve quality of life. Mental health disorders are not the only conditions that are treated but not cured. With chronic illnesses like diabetes, people are in treatment for the rest of their lives.
When it comes to addiction, this is why people say they are “in recovery” as opposed to “recovered.” It is an ongoing process of healing, and it’s considered a chronic brain disease. Treatment for addiction helps people learn to cope with stressors without drinking or using drugs.
However, treatment doesn’t stop at helping people come off substances—it helps improve quality of life so that they don’t feel such a strong need to escape. It helps those in recovery find purpose, repair relationships, work on fixing problems that may have arisen during active addiction, and much more. Treatment for mental health disorders may include medications to supplement therapy.
While it can be difficult to come to terms with having a condition that can’t be cured, being treated is hopeful. Recovery is not a punishment, but a gift that allows you to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you build a great life in sobriety. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.