Have you ever heard of the placebo effect? Simply put, this phenomenon occurs when a patient miraculously heals after learning that a pill will “cure” or “alleviate” the symptoms of his/her illness, when, in actuality, the medication actually has no impact; the mind simply tricks itself into believing the body is recovering. Some critics have argued that this is pretty much evidence that the human brain is an incredible source of healing (if given the chance), while other members of the medical community consider this a bit of a hit-and-miss. However, in the field of addiction treatment, these little placebos are getting a bit more spotlight, for various reasons. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of the “placebo effect” in addiction treatment.
The Underdog Pill
So how does the placebo work in an experiment? As an example, let’s say a scientist separates an even-count of people into two groups, as part of a test. After setting up the study, the doctors will give one group a trial drug, while the other group receives a placebo (a sugar pill, in a sense). However, here’s the catch: only the scientists know which drug is real and which one is fake.
This process is commonly called a “double-blind study.”
In the end, several factors will be determined. If neither of the groups saw any effect due to the medication, the scientists will mark the experiment as a failure. However, if one of the drugs worked, whether the actual pill or the placebo, they will take further notes and conduct future tests.
Mechanics of the Placebo Effect
In essence, the placebo effect is the ultimate result of self-motivation. In some cases of these double-blind studies, patients have miraculously responded to the placebos. Simply put, this occurs because a person is so convinced the pill will make them better (they do not know whether it is a sugar pill or the actual medication), that they will, for a time, feel like they have been cured.
This effect has been assessed in a variety of medical fields, but scientists are particularly interested in this phenomenon within opioid addicts.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Alcoholism and drug addiction are dangerous sicknesses that should never be taken lightly. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
