Overheard in Recovery: Not a Cure

It's an old and well-used phrase used in Al-Anon and other places in helping friends and family of alcoholics deal with their loved ones- and help them deal with their feelings. It's often referred to as the Three Cs.

You didn't Cause it
You can't Control it
You can't Cure it.

Yet, many times when a loved one enters treatment they report that their family hopes that when they are discharged they will be "cured." It is difficult to try to explain to them that addiction is something that can be managed, dealt with, treated, but not cured. Without being "cured" there is the fear that they might go back to drinking or drugging.

But there are other diseases that can't be cured but can be managed quite successfully. Diabetes is one of the best examples. Once you have it, you won't get rid of it. The same is true for addiction. Proper maintenance and management works.

Which brings us to the 4th C-

Take Care of yourself.