Addiction/Alcoholism

Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable, yet the continuation of the substance becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns such as: work, relationships, and health. 

Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification. 

Addiction/Alcoholism is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. 

Addiction is a medical illness, although it is caused by repeated misuse of a substance. Substance abuse is often thought of in three categories, mild, moderate, and severe. Many individuals start abusing substances in order to relieve stress, produce pleasure, or avoid reality in general. 

"Addiction/Alcoholism is destructive, fatal, soul-destroying and completely ravishes all that is joyful in your life."