August 9, 2011
Addiction: A Chronic Relapsing Disease
Charles O'Brien, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
The clinical course of addiction resembles that of other chronic disorders with relapses and remissions. Given appropriate treatment, most addicted persons can resume normal life but are not “cured.” Unfortunately, most patients do not receive the best treatment because addiction is not adequately taught in most medical schools and residencies and because many clinicians are philosophically opposed to the medical model and the use of medications for this disorder.
Dr. O'Brien's slide presentation can be accessed here.
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