A Letter To You

As is often reported in the media, the nation is in the grips of an opioid epidemic. Over the past two decades, we have experienced a growing crisis of substance abuse and addiction that is illustrated most starkly by the rise in deaths from drug overdoses. Since 2000, the annual number of drug overdose deaths has nearly quadrupled from 17,500 to 67,400 in 2018. Most of these deaths involved opioids, including heroin, prescription painkillers, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

Many people assume that addiction is not a disease but a weakness of character. This misconception contributes to the stigma of addiction and unfairly minimizes the challenge of overcoming chemical dependence. Advances in neuroscience and imaging technology provide evidence that a physiological basis underlies the clinical experience of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) chronicity. These studies demonstrate that cravings, cue reactivity, tolerance, and withdrawal can be seen in the brain; that they interact with brain development (particularly among adolescents); that they respond to medications as well as the social and physical environment; and that chronic substance use is associated with physical changes in the brain that have an impact on brain functioning and emotional states.¹

At Jeannetta Robinson House, we understand that SUD chronicity is a brain-based disease. The array of services that we provide are designed to treat Substance Use Disorders using a medical model that includes initial and ongoing physical health and psychiatric assessments, medication therapy, intensive counseling, and referral to specialist medical professionals for co-occurring conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure). During their stay with us, which can last anywhere 30 to 90 days, in addition to clinical care clients are also provided safe and comfortable housing, nutritious meals, job skills training, and recreational opportunities – all designed to ensure an environment that is conducive to optimal recovery.

Pamela Banks, CSAC, LPC-IT, CS-IT
Program Coordinator

¹Butler Center for Research, “Advances in Neuroscience Have Evolved the Understanding of Addiction”, March 1, 2016, accessed at
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/education/bcr/addiction-research/brain-disease-model-ru-316