AHS Views

I read a great article today regarding the viewpoint of addictions expert, Dr. Mark F. Kern on ‘addiction medicine.” According to the article, the AA retention rate is 5%, according to their own statistics. “Would you put your life in the hands of someone who only has a 15 percent success rate?”, said Kern. Although there are successful alcohol and drug rehab centers available, it is true they are in the minority.

Kern blames the failure of alcohol and drug rehab, and the fact that more people don’t try to get help, on the shame, blame, intensity and religious overtones of standard treatment.
 
“The disease model of addiction embraced by most of the medical community scares people. It sets up a false dichotomy: The ‘disease’ of alcoholism will progress and you will die — or you must attend meetings for a lifetime. As if those are the only two options. But the ‘disease’ does not always progress, and what scientific approach recommends prayer to cure a disease? Or ignores a myriad of replicable effective alternatives? …  People are not like tube socks - there is no ‘one size fits all’ in treating drug and alcohol problems,” said Kern in a recent press release.

Hallelujah!  Finally, a voice of reason.

Successful alcohol and drug rehab is intensely personal. It gets to the root of the problems for that individual, and helps them turn their lives around. And that’s exactly what you need to look for if you’re trying to help yourself or someone you care about.