Substance use and addictive behaviours as chronic illnesses

Substance use, gambling and gaming disorders are chronic illnesses, of which relapse (including slips and lapses) is an integral feature.

Note: Relapse is a feature of chronic illness, not a failure of the person being treated.

Despite the challenges, effective treatments are available for substance use and addictive behaviours. People can recover good health and wellbeing, but as in any chronic illness, ongoing care is needed to achieve the best outcomes. Explaining this to the patient can foster agreement of realistic goals and convey an important message of hope.

Note: Treatment goals vary with the individual; a person can recover good health, despite the challenging nature of their illness.

Positive health outcomes will be different for different people. Treatment goals are established by collaborating with the person (and ideally, those close to them). Treatment goals in disorders of substance use and addictive behaviours include:

stopping the use or behaviour completely
reducing the use or behaviour, combined with harm reduction measures
continuing the use or behaviour at current levels but taking harm reduction measures.