Addiction

What exactly is addiction? The short definition by American Society of Addiction Medicine states,”Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.”Addiction can easily be confused with the lack of “will power”. Although, clearly stated above and throughout the rest of the medical field addiction is classified as a disease, and it must be treated like any-other disease. The cure for addiction and keeping the disease in remission is RECOVERY. Recovery although will take time, some aspects of life will develop slower than others, but just like disease/addiction, it is progressive. To ensure growth, and for someone to remain alcohol and drug free, The Last Resort recommends for the individual to “stay hungry” towards his recovery. Continue working with other men or women, build a fellowship, grow spirituality, attend 12 step meetings, staying active in fitness, seek therapy as needed, and work towards a healthy diet. We, the addicts, must treat every aspect of our disease in order to achieve long-term sobriety, doing whatever it takes on a daily basis to form a healthy mind, body, and spirit.Austin BerryThe Last Resort – Alumni Coordinator