Statement on Addictions
Addiction is a complex illness that affects different people in different ways; it is a loss of control over substance use. Some people may have problems controlling how much or how often they use a substance or they may need to take more of it to achieve the desired effect.
It is characterized by a compulsion to use a substance to feel good, or to avoid feeling bad.
An addiction can be a physical dependency;
- caused when repeated use of a substance changes your body's chemistry; and/or a psychological dependency
- caused when you repeat certain behaviors, such as drug use, until your mind is hooked on that pattern of behaviors, causing mental cravings.
Addiction touches us all at some point in our lives, addiction affects us all, so it is crucial that everyone is aware of the dangers of addiction and the signs to watch for.
