Addiction is classified as a disease because it meets the criteria of all other terminal diseases;
- It has pattern of symptoms which are similar across all types of substance abuse,
- It is a chronic condition. It doesn't go away,
- The person is subject to relapse.
- It is progressive. Addiction only gets worse with continued use, and ends with death.
The good news however, is that, while substance addiction is a terminal illness, its progression can be arrested at almost any stage and can be put into remission indefinitely - providing a specific program is adhered to faithfully.
The highly successful Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are best known to base its program on a collection of spiritual disciplines that have been helpful to people recovering from addictions.
Pacific Hills Treatment Centers, Inc. is a premier Christian alcohol treatment program, offering both the traditional spirituality track based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and a Christ-centered program for those who embrace the scriptures and Christ as their Higher Power.