An addiction is a habitual mental and physical dependence on a substance or practice beyond one’s voluntary control which is characterized by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease affecting the brain’s reward, motivation, and related systems. People struggling with addiction are unable to control their actions or make rational decisions about their behavior, even in the face of negative consequences.

Addiction is a process based in altered functioning of the reward and motivation systems of the brain.

A person with an addiction usually has 3 or more of the following:

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction:

• A tolerance for the substance or practice that requires increasing amounts to achieve the same effect.
• Strong cravings for the substance or practice.
• Being unable to stop using the substance or practice without going through withdrawal.
• Loss of control over frequency and amounts of drug or substance usage.
• Preoccupation with the substance or practice.
• Inability to meet obligations to family, job, or other personal interests because of the substance or practice.
• Physical or psychological deterioration due to use of the substance or practice.

Some of the most notable addictive substances or practices are:

• Drugs (Prescription & Illicit)
• Alcohol
• Sex
• Gambling
• Smoking
• Food (Overeating; Restricting; Binge-Purge)
• Work
• Internet
• Video Games
• Texting

The tendency to have addiction problems can be an inherited trait passed from parents to their children. Addiction can also co-exist with a psychiatric illness or physical disability (dual diagnosis).

While there are many different substances or practices that people can become addicted to, many people are non-specific addicts. These people may be addicted to one or more substances/practices but can change addictions. The Family Counseling Center works to intervene, consult, and monitor the addict, not the addiction.