Addiction is very complex and affects the operation of both the brain and the body. Some believe it’s a disease of the brain, others believe it’s a choice. Regardless of a person’s stance on the topic, one thing holds true, Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can cause significant damage to families and relationships. As a family member or loved one, you may feel helpless. Many who are suffering from active addiction lose control, continue to use even when they suffer consequences of their use, and/or strong urges to continue using even when feel they want to stop. It can cause someone we trust to lie, cheat and steal because the urge is so powerful.

People don’t just wake up one morning and say, “I think I’ll become addicted to drugs today”. Addiction doesn’t make someone a terrible person. Someone suffering from addiction may start using initially because of peer pressure, curiosity, or attempting to escape from emotions. Regardless, many people keep using substances because the pain of stopping may feel too great. At first, it seems as though it’s easily controlled but then within the blink of an eye it’s used just to feel “normal”. Drugs change our brain and those changes can last a very long time. Those changes can be seen in a person’s mood, memory, and decision-making.