Addiction

Marian Webster dictionary defines addiction as  "persistant, compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful; a compulsive need for and use of a habit forming substance, characterized by tolerance and by well-defined psychological symptoms of withdrawal."  Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, gambling, sex, cyber-sex, pornography, video gaming, food, shopping, exericise - the list of potentially addictive substances and behaviors has grown as our ease of access and exposure has increased.  Few (if any) of us can say we haven't been touched in some way by addiction  (professionals in the field of addiction cite 10% as the rate of incidence in a population.)  Yet, lack of understanding of addiction, limited access to services for the treatment of addiction, and social stigma continue  to be roadblocks to an individual's successful recovery.  For those of us fortunate enough to not fit the criteria of an addict, it is often difficult to understand the phenomenon.  A common refrain is, "why don't they just stop?"  The short answer is, "they can't."  The simple interpretation of a complex medical model is that chemical substances either ingested by an individual or triggered behaviorally in the brain have the potential in 10% of our population to result in a compulsive need for the chemical.  What often begins as an innocent, pleasurable exposure to a substance (or activity) can result in a lifelong compulsive need by the brain in order for the individual to avoid the painful and potentially life threatening symptoms of withdrawal from the chemical.  (A chemically addicted individual will tell you that their continued use of the chemical no longer produces a pleasureable result.  They will tell you that continued use of the chemical helps them feel "normal".)  Scientist don't have a clear understanding why one individual's brain can experience the results of a chemical and not develop the compulsive need and another individual's brain will.  There is data suggesting a genetic link.  Yet why are some family members addicts and others not?  We do know addiction is a chronic disease of the brain.  As with any chronic disease, with appropriate treatment there is opportunity for long-term recovery.  As with any chronic disease, there is potential for relapse.  Until science solves the mystery that is addiction our options are limited.  Education, affordable treatment options, long-term recovery support and empathy are our tools for now.