More than three million people in the United States are addicted to opioids, and over 33,000 of them die each year as a result of accidental overdoses. The opioid epidemic is a serious and growing problem, leading some to question whether there’s an end in sight. 

“I was, in general, terrified of other people; I used drugs for emotional protection and social comfort.”

So writes Maia Szalavitz in her book Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction, which interweaves her personal addiction account with science and research supporting the idea of addiction as a learning disorder, and why tough love doesn't work with drug addicts.

Physical drug or alcohol dependence develops over time, which makes stopping the effects difficult. Without a proper detoxification process, withdrawal symptoms can shock the system. However, what is medical detox, exactly?

When you’re feeling sad, people might say that you’re depressed. However, is this a correct assessment? Medical experts believe that depression is so much more. What is depression, and how does it affect addiction treatment?

Is addiction a disease or not? That’s one of the most pressing questions in addiction research and recovery today. Neuroscientist, retired professor, and author Dr. Marc Lewis is convinced that addiction is not a disease, and he explains why in this fascinating interview.

For individuals in the early stages of addiction treatment, depression symptoms are common due to a lack of dopamine. Dopamine is a pleasure chemical that the brain creates in order for you to repeat certain actions and be happy.

Children thrive when parents raise them in a safe and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, far too many young people suffer through trauma during their formative years. Childhood trauma can often lead to substance abuse and addiction, and learning about the connection can be key to embracing change and gaining emotional stability.

When our team did a Google Image search of the term “Sobriety Quotes” recently, the first item to pop up was a Pinterest graphic with these words: “Wanna find out who your friends are? Get sober.”

This anonymous quote reminds us of a powerful, often-painful truth: When we change, our relationships to the people around us change too.

Some say that struggling with a substance abuse problem is a sign of bad decision-making and poor moral fiber. Experts disagree with this somewhat flip assessment. Sure, a bad choice might have gotten you started, but biochemical changes make it extremely difficult to stop. So, is addiction a disease, and if so, what is its target?

We believe you can learn to stop drinking. While you may feel discouraged by alcohol addiction now. But, with professional help, peer support, and a solid plan, long term sobriety is possible.