Drug Addiction as a disease: Lamar Odem and his relapse

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lamar-odom-addiction-shame_56216f52e4b08589ef478d66

5. Relapse is part of recovery, and recovery is possible.

While Odom is currently fighting for his life, it’s important to remember that his drug use doesn't define him. He was able to play successfully in the NBA for years, get married and take care of his family.

NIDA notes that people can learn to manage drug substance use disorder, just as others learn to manage chronic relapsing diseases like asthma or heart disease. They also note that relapse is a common part of recovery — not an anomaly.

"And as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again,” according to NIDA. "Relapse, however, does not signal treatment failure—rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated or adjusted or that an alternative treatment is needed to help the individual regain control and recover."

However, change does not happen overnight, Rivera adds, and will often require a complete transformation.

"Entering into recovery requires a complete lifestyle change which may include relationships, family, friends, environment and employment,” he concluded. "Making changes mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually takes a great deal of support and understanding from those around them."

Here’s hoping that Odom's recovery ushers in a new way to discuss substance use disorder and helps the millions of Americans struggling to know they are not alone -- and they are not judged, either.