To refrain from the use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) or a particular behavior.
These act on the brain to block pain receptors, sedate the central nervous system, reduce anxiety, or induce sleep.
When a member of a family becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, the addiction affects everyone. Research indicates that everyone in the family unit has a response to the addiction. That response can cause depression, anxiety, anger, etc.
The consumption of large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time can impact the normal functioning of the body's organs including the heart, lungs, and brain, and can result in death.
An exaggerated feeling of well-being or elation induced by drugs or a mental health disorder.
The act of using drugs or drinking alcohol after a person has abstained from drinking or drugging for a period of time. It also signifies a return to certain behaviors such as binge or purge activities or other behaviors such as gambling.
It is not just the act of using drugs that defines this behavior. It is the obsessive seeking and taking drugs compulsively that characterizes the addiction and is always irrational.
With the continued consumption of drugs or alcohol, a person develops a physical and psychological need. Once a person reaches this level, he or she must continue to use and/or drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Repeated behavior (drugs/alcohol/sex/gambling/shopping/work/food) that interferes with normal, healthy life activities that affects a person's physical and psychological well being. It can have negative financial consequences as well.
When a person continues to use drugs and alcohol despite negative consequences. It is distinct from dependence because the person has not yet developed a tolerance for or withdrawal symptoms from the drugs or alcohol.
Healing the mind, the body, and the spirit after addiction. It requires abstinence, self-reflection, support, a change of lifestyle, confronting personal shortcomings, and more.