Understanding that Addiction is a Disease

Understanding that Addiction is a Disease

Many individuals fail to recognize that addiction is a disease. However, substance dependency is not a question of willpower. You do not choose a diagnosis of Cancer. You do not choose to be born male or female. You do not choose the hair color that you are born with. You also do not choose to be an addict.

When a person struggles with addiction and/or substance dependency, consequences of drug use are not considered. Changes occur within an addict’s brain, specifically within the Mesolimbic Dopamine System. The Mesolimbic Dopamine System refers to the brain’s pleasure system and processes the “feel goods”, (food, sex, release). When an addict uses drugs repeatedly, the brain’s pleasure system becomes overstimulated. Addicts lose the ability to control and satisfy their cravings, and begin to lose sight of consequences and reality.

As a family member or friend of an addict, you likely feel anger and resentment. You may also feel overwhelming grief as a witness to substance dependency overcoming your loved one’s life. In this situation, it is imperative to recognize that addiction is a disease, thus not your fault and outside your realm of control. It is also important to know that you are not alone, and a rising number of families are affected by addiction each year.

What if there was a place that you could retreat to that could help your family heal? What if addicted individuals could seek treatment in a family friendly location which seeks to assist all family members with the grief and anger associated with addiction and substance dependency? Good news. There is. Self-empowerment NH, LLC can help your family heal through innovative counseling techniques and research based family group counseling practices.

For more information on the programs offered at Self-empowerment NH, LLC, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.