What is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain's structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting and can lead to harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.

Addiction is similar to other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful consequences, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death.

The Science Behind Addiction

Drugs affect the brain's reward circuit by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. This overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable "high" that leads people to take a drug again and again.

As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine by making less of it and/or reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance.

Risk Factors for Addiction

• Biology: The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction
• Environment: A person's environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life
• Development: Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person's life
• Mental Health: People with mental health disorders are more likely to develop substance use disorders

Early Recovery (First 30 Days)

The first month of recovery is often the most challenging. Your body is adjusting to life without substances, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms, intense cravings, and emotional ups and downs.

Building a Foundation (30-90 Days)

During this period, you'll start to feel more stable physically and emotionally. You'll begin developing new routines and coping mechanisms.

Long-Term Recovery (90+ Days)

Long-term recovery involves maintaining your sobriety while building a fulfilling life. You'll continue to grow and develop as a person.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. It can help sustain recovery and prevent overdose.

Behavioral Therapies

Mindfulness & Meditation

Mindfulness practices can help you stay present, manage stress, and develop greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings.

Physical Wellness

Types of Support

Family & Friends

Your family and friends can be a crucial part of your support network, but it's important to set healthy boundaries and communicate your needs clearly.

Understanding Relapse

Relapse is a common part of the recovery process and doesn't mean you've failed. It's an opportunity to learn and strengthen your recovery plan.

Prevention Strategies