Treatments For Substance Abuse Disorder and the Changing Definition of Addiction

Molly Lynne Brunson

This literature review will explore the current medically-accepted treatments for alcohol and substance abuse disorders. Addiction fits into the medical model of a disease because it affects an organ (the brain) and causes it to malfunction. Historically, the definition of addiction has fluctuated and is still a great source of contention among medical doctors, therapists, people in recovery from addiction, and the general public. The addiction crisis in the United States has reached epic proportions, however, with the proper treatment and access to appropriate resources, the disease is treatable. Women addicts are especially subject to harsh stigmatization from society and are a gravely under-served population. Gender-specific treatment with special attention to recovery from trauma is vital for women learning to live sober. 

• Molly Brunson resides in Greenwood, SC with her husband Tripp. She is a long-time staff member of Fusion Thai and Japanese Cuisine and recently began a new position at Velux. She looks forward to graduation from Lander in May and beginning graduate school in the fall.