Addiction is a compulsion to use a substance or participate in a destructive activity detrimental to ourselves and others. It is NOT a lack of willpower or a moral weakness.

Addiction severely alters brain areas critical to decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control.

Addiction affects the whole person…. body, mind and spirit.

Addictions can be divided up into two categories…substance and process. Here are examples of common addictions:

Alcohol
Nicotine
Illegal Drugs
Prescription Drugs
Food

Sex
Work
Relationships
Love/Romance
Gambling
Shopping
Stealing
Internet

While it is difficult to prove what the exact cause is for each person, researchers and scientists know that addiction is a result of one or a combination of several contributing factors:

• Genetic history of alcoholism and/or drug addiction within families
• Social and environmental reasons such as our upbringing and childhood experiences
• Brain chemistry deficiencies we are born with or occur as a result of physical and/or emotional trauma
• Repetitive abuse of a substance and/or activity over a period of time

EVERYONE is susceptible to addiction. It is evident in every gender, ethnic origin, religion, occupation, social class, and age group. No one is immune.

Addiction is a serious disease that is progressive and can result in death if not treated.

If you think you or someone you care about is suffering from addiction, this website contains information and contacts that can help you.