What is Addiction?
Finding the right resources for drug, alcohol, or behavioral addiction often start with understanding exactly what addiction is, how it impacts people, and what the symptoms of addiction looks like.
In short, addiction is a condition in which an addictive relationship between an individual and intoxicating substances or pleasurable activities has developed. Here you can read and learn more about what addiction is, the difference between use, abuse, and addiction, the signs and symptoms of addiction, the autonomy of the addicted brain, and much more.
By being informed, you can make better decisions for yourself and loved ones who may be struggling with drug addiction.
What is Substance Abuse?
Drugs and substances are generally categorized according to their effect on the user. In all we differentiate between seven different types of drugs. These seven all possess their own sets of effects, characteristics and risks. Categories include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, dissociatives, opioids, inhalants and cannabis.
While it is very important to understand the underlying causes for substance use/abuse— from prescription drug use for physical illnesses to an attempt to self-medicate mental illness or past trauma – it is also important to understand the effects and risks of using different substances. Here you can learn more about the different types of drugs and their effects and risks
Resources to Combat Addiction
For many people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: recognizing that you have a problem and deciding to make a change. We are here to help you reach a conclusion. On this page you will find information about specified substance addiction, from dependency and effects, to treatment and complications. It operates as our step-by-step guide to heroin, meth, alcohol, and prescription drug addiction recovery.
Mental Illnesses and Co-Occurring Disorders
It is common that people who are experiencing a mental health condition turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication to improve the mental health symptoms they experience. It is also common that people that struggle with substance abuse develop mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This is why so many experts say mental health and addiction go hand in hand. On this page you will get the help you need to identify and seek proper treatment for your dual diagnosis.
Treatment Techniques and Therapy Styles
Addiction affects your whole life, including your relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. Treatment success depends on developing a new way of living and addressing the reasons why you turned to drugs in the first place. However, there is no such thing as a one size fits all treatment model. In fact, there is a whole spectrum of treatment techniques and therapy styles to explore. Here you can learn more about the resources we have found most effective.