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 the individual pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. The addiction is characterized by impairment in behavioral control, craving, inability to consistently abstain, and diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships. Like other chronic diseases, addiction involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.
The Shame of It All....
Shredded -- A Memoir
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At 19 years old I’d lived a fairly charmed life. I grew up in an affluent NYC suburb with loving, if flawed, parents. It was the 1950’s and my father believed that women had specific (traditional) roles. As the youngest of 3 the rules were somewhat relaxed for me, but I chaffed under their weight nonetheless. So I rebelled, in a mostly ladylike manner. In the fall of 1972 all that had been before, my childish notions about the inherent goodness of all people, idealistic political views, and my core belief that my parents could fix anything, were run through a meat grinder, never to be the same again. It was the beginning of 20 months in hell.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE STATISTICS
Why is it that only 2 million of the estimated 40 million people with substance abuse problems ask for help? It is possible that the stigma of addiction prevents them from being honest? For me, the answer is yes.
For years I suffered in silence with multiple forms of addiction. I worried what my family would think. I worried what my friends would say. I worried I would lose my job and my ability to attract a life mate.
A girl voted most likely to succeed and homecoming queen shouldn't puke in toilets. A girl from a good family shouldn't snort cocaine 
or sleep with a stranger. It took a near death experience to convince me to place my welfare ahead of my image. What will it take for you?
