Addiction is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a disorder “characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences." This means that trying to use negative consequences— like tough love— is not likely to succeed.

In fact, research shows that the most successful treatments for addiction involve compassionate, empathetic and supportive care, in which people are treated with respect.  “Tough love” treatments that involve “boot camp” approaches, harsh confrontation and trying to “scare people straight” have repeatedly been proven to be ineffective, harmful or both.   

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