Debilitating diseases come in various forms. Most lethal among such diseases are drug addiction and alcohol addiction and abuse. Clinical psychologists have determined that these addictions are indeed diseases and like the other chronic diseases, can be treated through a series of processes.

One of the first steps that are required before an addict can ever begin drug rehabilitation or alcohol treatment is to admit to the problem. Family and friends can do an intervention to make this first step possible. Once an addict admits to his addiction, half the battle is already won.

Hospitals offer detox programs for drug and alcohol abuse. The most difficult part of the therapy and cure is withdrawal. For drug abuse, it is a trauma to the body as well as the mind. Addiction recovery cannot be completed without detoxification. Once into a treatment center, Washington has trained therapists and counselors who work daily with addicts. Breakthroughs mean that an addict is on the way to recovery and can enter one of the sober living homes or residential facilities where care is now maintenance. The road to recovery is a lengthy process.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services-Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse has vigorous goals to end drug and alcohol abuse in the state: Reduce crime, healthcare costs, violence, welfare and other costs stemming from addictions; to promote community and family safety as well as education; and the primary goal is to return an addict to a productive life.