Alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, also referred to as substance use disorders or chemical dependency, affect the lives of approximately 1 in 10 Americans and their families. When you include smoking, nearly half our population is struggling with the destructive and deadly consequences of these progressive, chronic conditions. 

Such prevalence is attributable not only to the deceptive power of the substances, but to the economic interests that promote them, the mixed messages our society sends about their use, the stigmas and misconceptions still associated with addiction, and to life itself. Those are formidable forces, to which some people are particularly vulnerable.

In fact, a complex set of factors including genetics, family history, trauma, abuse, stress, environment, and social or mental disorders have a significant impact on the likelihood that someone will develop a substance use disorder. So while it’s not someone’s fault they have a substance use disorder, it is their responsibility to get treatment for it.

The good news is that millions of people have been able to overcome  the obstacles they faced to break the grip of addiction, and are living fuller, healthier, more inspired lives as a result. Now more than ever before, with many excellent treatment options available and an ever improving understanding of substance use disorders, success is likely for those wanting to take their lives back from drugs and alcohol.

At Westfall, we understand chemical dependency to be a complex and chronic condition that is difficult to prevent, but one that can be treated effectively with a variety of strategies.  We believe that long-term recovery is possible at any stage, and that a new and better life awaits those who can get the help they need to make change happen. 

Our approach to recovery is based on the needs of each individual. As every story is different, so is each path to recovery. We help our clients map out their own unique strategy, and guide them along the way.  

A final thought.....“hitting bottom”

It’s a common myth that you have to “hit bottom” to be able to truly see the light and start recovery, and that you can help this process along by exercising “tough love” tactics, such as taking away things like money, shelter or love, involving the police, or refusing to help a loved one get out of jail. The truth is that these disproved theories can prevent someone from getting help before serious consequences result, such as homelessness, divorce, jail, and death. 

 The field of chemical dependency has evolved tremendously since the early days of AA. The general rule now is to address the problem at the earliest possible stage, with the help of highly skilled professionals who specialize in chemical dependency treatment. Research is constantly being done to improve treatment quality, and to dispel the myths and stigmas that are still associated with addiction.