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Impact of Chronic Illness
Chronic diseases affect many people from different parts of the world (Wiens and Walker 9). Such conditions can produce numerous disabilities and deaths. Chronic illness is therefore “defined as a long-lasting condition that can have detrimental effects” (Heyman 12). According to different medical practitioners, chronic diseases might have disastrous implications on the society. Such illnesses can affect different individuals and their respective families. To begin with, the condition makes it impossible for the affected person to execute his or her daily activities. The “condition also results in dependency” (Wiens and Walker 5). The affected person is also supposed to get specific medications or therapies. Such approaches will significantly change the individual’s life. Chronic conditions are known to present copious psychological and emotional imbalances. The illness also “interferes with a person’s financial position, relationship with others, career, and even emotional stability” (McKay and Hiller-Sturmhofel 360). Some people with such conditions might also become suicidal.
The family of an individual with a chronic condition will also encounter numerous challenges. For instance, parents and guardians will have to offer long-term care to their disabled children. Individuals with such conditions require continued support from their family members. This kind of support can be physical, emotional, psychological, or financial (McKay and Hiller-Sturmhofel 362). As well, chronic illnesses affect the functioning of the whole family. For instance, the family’s income becomes strained thus affecting the welfare of the other individuals. Some people might be forced to sacrifice their careers and savings in order to support the targeted patient. Heyman also believes that “such illnesses can affect a family’s communication process, belief system, multigenerational pattern, and organizational structure” (24). The emotional wellbeing of the family also changes completely.
Addictions as Chronic illnesses
Heyman states clearly that “addiction is a chronic disease comparable to other conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes” (39). This is the case because different forms of addiction are evident in specific families and communities. This fact explains why addiction is closely associated with specific environmental factors and human genomes. For instance, drug addiction is usually inherited from one individual to another thus making it a major social problem. Addiction is “a major disorder that can be transferred from a parent to a child” (Wiens and Walker 8). The environment is also responsible for the development of different types of addiction. That being the case, people should become responsible and transform their behaviors. This practice will make it possible for them to attain their objectives.
The problems produced by addiction are similar to those associated with various chronic illnesses. To begin with, drug addicts will have plentiful troubles and problems in their lives. Many victims of addiction become irresponsible and unproductive. They also engage in inappropriate behaviors thus threatening their livelihoods. Their behaviors also affect the wellbeing of every immediate sibling or family member. The family will also be forced to use the best strategies in order to take care of the affected person. Tai and Volkow argue that “drug addicts demand the same kind of attention availed to an individual will a chronic illness” (167). The long-term nature of addiction makes it a major social concern that should be addressed from a clinical perspective (Turner and Kelly 125). These arguments and discussions explain clearly why every form of addiction should be taken seriously. The important thing is to ensure the most appropriate care is availed to the affected individuals.
Preserving Relationships During and After Treatment
Victims of substance abuse should get the best psychological support and care. Appropriate therapies should be offered in order to re-pattern the lifestyles of the targeted persons. Therapists should “use the best approaches to preserve the relationships of such individuals during and after treatment” (Torregrossa and Taylor 7). It is appropriate to equip such people with powerful skills that can support their future relationships. During the treatment process, psychotherapists should explore the expectations of the individuals in the targeted relationship. Therapists should know when to promote faithfulness, trust, and honesty. Such values are critical towards preserving relationships during treatment. The therapist can also use the concept of compromise to deal with delicate issues.
The targeted parties should also be encouraged to appreciate and trust one another (Turner and Kelly 125). The sober person should also be allowed to understand the challenges affecting the addict. The affected person should also acquire new competencies and values in order to focus on the best achievements. The therapist should ensure the existing differences are tolerated and balanced. New values such as love, respect, and trust should be embraced in order to deal with chaos (Tai and Volkow 168). These aspects explain why addiction disorder is similar to a chronic disease.
The targeted individuals should acquire new problem-solving and decision-making skills. They should be equipped with proper listening and communication skills. Such competencies will make it easier for them to establish the best interpersonal relationships. Members of the family and relatives should also acquire similar skills in order to interact with the patient in a proper manner (Torregrossa and Taylor 9). The concept of teamwork should be embraced in the family. This strategy is relevant because it deals with distrust, fear, and anger. The individual will eventually re-pattern his or her ideas thus establishing better relationships with other people.
Long-Term Treatment Process and Support Systems
Drug abusers and addicts should get appropriate treatment in order to realize their potentials. A long-term treatment approach is appropriate in order to get the best outcomes. That being the case, psychiatrists and therapists should use combined strategies whenever treating various addiction disorders. Behavioral therapy and medication can work effectively towards getting the best results. The therapeutic process should focus on the three major stages of treatment. These stages include “detoxification, treatment, and relapse prevention” (Turner and Kelly 126). The therapist should use the best medicines to ease some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with the targeted condition. Heyman argues that “a continuum of care is relevant in order to prevent various episodes of relapse” (72). This method should address the physical, environmental, medical, and mental aspects of human life.
Proper support systems are also “critical towards ensuring that the addict remains on the best spiritual journey of recovery” (Heyman 102). Medical practitioners should therefore offer evidence-based care in order to support the spiritual wellbeing of the targeted patient. Family and religious-based support practices will re-pattern the beliefs of the individuals (Torregrossa and Taylor 11). The person should also acquire appropriate spiritual values in order to promote the healing process. The values and beliefs of the patient should also be considered during the long-term treatment process. The provision of culturally-competent care will eventually support the victim’s spiritual journey.
Works Cited
Heyman, Gene. Addiction: A Disorder of Choice. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2009. Print.
McKay, James and Sussane Hiller-Sturmhofel. “Treating Alcoholism as a Chronic Disease: Approaches to Long-term Continuing Care.” Alcohol Research & Health 33.4 (2011): 356-370. Print.
Tai, Betty and Nora Volkow. “Treatment for Substance Use Disorder: Opportunities and Challenges under the Affordable Care Act.” Social Work in Public Health 28.1 (2013): 165-174. Print.
Torregrossa, Mary and Jane Taylor. “Learning to forget: manipulating extinction and reconsolidation processes to treat addiction.” Psychopharmacology 1.1 (2012): 1-14. Print.
Turner, Jane and Brian Kelly. “Emotional Dimensions of Chronic Disease.” Western Journal of Medicine 172.2 (2000): 124-128. Print.
Wiens, Thomas and Lawrence Walker. “The Chronic Disease Concept of Addiction: Helpful or Thankful.” Addiction Research and Theory 23.4 (2015): 1-14. Print.
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