What is addiction?

Addiction is a state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. It can be thought of as a disease or biological process leading to such behaviors.

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking even though it has harmful consequences.

It is a brain disease because drugs change the brain, the drugs change how the brain works and the structure of the brain. The brain changes can have long lasting, harmful effects.

The PROBLEM:

We seek something outside ourselves to satisfy the need for pleasure or relief. This then sets up empty feelings and more problems because we don’t know what we really need. This then leads to an endless chase and the path to nowhere.

The BIGGER PROBLEM:

Once addiction develops, brain changes interfere with the ability to make decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use.

The SOLUTION:

Behavioral therapies, this solution helps engage people in treatment and identifies attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse. Behavioral therapy also uses life skills and looks at ways of dealing with stress, fear, and other problems associated with using alcohol and other drugs.

The SOLUTION:

12 step programs. 12 step programs are a self-help group with a key factor being helping others and a belief in God.

Have any questions?

I have answers. Click here to learn more.

Crystal Singh
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Coach