Philosophies
Current Legal Model:

S.H.A. Response:
No one would consciously choose a lifestyle of addiction. We promote an environment of inclusion, community and solutions. Addiction is a symptom of underlying needs and over-utilization of coping skills & defense mechanisms that have become pathological. Learning new skills and dealing with past trauma is critical to living a life free of addiction. Love, acceptance and tolerance heals!
Current Medical Model:
The Surgeon General of the US and the current medical model consider the disease of addiction a primary brain disease, citing genetics as 50-70% of the cause. While this is an improvement and creates a more compassionate response than the legal model, it also can create an attitude of a victim from the perspective of the addicted person and minimizes the impact of environment. Addiction is a behavior and behaviors are not genetic. While brain chemistry does indeed lend to compensation towards substance abuse, it is dangerous to let 50-70% of our claim to recovery be left to genetic predisposition.
S.H.A. Response:
Our environment (thoughts, surroundings, relationships) literally changes our DNA. All can be rebuilt. Our environment is the key to manifest our desired reality. While our genetics may play a part in creating our brain chemistry, one must recognize the bio-psycho-social model of recovery and the interconnection of each for total recovery. You are not a victim and you do have the power to change your life!