Bellevue, WA was ranked number one by CNNMoney’s list of best places to live and launch a business in 2008. In 2010 the city was ranked as the 4th best place to live in America, and in 2014 ranked number 2 on USA Today’s list of best places to live.

Addiction has infiltrated every community in this country, and Bellevue is no different. The disease of addiction is classified as a mental illness, one which requires professional treatment to overcome its deadly and progressive symptoms.

Stages of Addiction

It is not uncommon for people to experiment with substances, however not everyone becomes addicted. For those that do develop an addiction, there are considered four stages marking the progression of use. These four stages are experimentation, ongoing use, dangerous use, and dependence or addiction. Some people complete all four stages at a rapid rate, while others might stay at one stage for the remainder of their life.

It can be difficult to determine the difference from an outside perspective. Often, it is only when a person has reached the addiction phase that the problem becomes unmistakable. This is the phase when the person cannot stop, despite negative consequences and in spite of his or her own desire to stop.

What Type of Treatment is Best?

Inpatient rehab programs are widely considered the best treatment option. These intensive and comprehensive programs tend to offer a variety of therapeutic options and often incorporate trauma therapy options for those that have a need. Individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy are utilized by everyone and helps to identify and properly address the underlying issues that may have driven the substance abuse. Other treatment options, such as outpatient therapy can be greatly beneficial as well. However, this method is best when used following an inpatient program. They allow greater exposure and have a less intensive therapeutic approach, which should be attempted only when the person has stabilized.

12-step programs continuously prove the best method for addressing the disease of addiction. Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have helped millions of people worldwide recover from addiction and find a better way to live. If you suffer from addiction in Bellevue, WA, find a meeting in your area and get connected today.