Addiction
Addiction is a chronic brain disease and is influenced by both genetics and environment similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Addiction can manifest in many ways including use of alcohol and the focus at HUM is to address Addiction is Addiction. This means that whether a person uses alcohol, drugs, or engages in compulsive behaviors, such as gambling, shopping etc., these are not mutually exclusive and represent different manifestations of the same disease.
Addiction involving alcohol is a chronic medical condition that requires assessment and treatment, as manifestations of it vary in different individuals. With Addiction involving alcohol, the ability to make healthy choices regarding alcohol is impaired. Alcohol begins to start controlling one’s life, making life more unmanageable. With Addiction, the problematic alcohol use is a symptom of what is happening in the brain and the person is seeking escape, relief or reward. Unfortunately there is no off switch and there is an ever increasing desire for more. It is critical to understand what is happening in the brain as our brain is involved in everything we do, including our thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviors as well as how we view ourselves and we get along with others.
You may have Addiction involving alcohol if you: