What is Addiction?
Too often there is blame and shame associated with individuals impacted by addiction. The stigma affects not only the addict but their families and loved ones, which makes seeking help very difficult. We need to engage in healthy conversations about addiction and acknowledge it as a disease not an embarrassment.
Defining Addiction
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress and self control.
From those who have experienced addiction, it is defined as……..
• The greatest liar
• Exhausting
• Destroyer of Families
• A prison that cannot easily be escaped from
• All-consuming effort to escape unbearable pain, even if it means we have to sacrifice everything we
love to escape it.
• Hurtful
• A thief
• Persistent… it never leaves me
• Lonely
• Paralyzing
• Painful for all involved
• Hopeless
Addiction not only shreds the soul of the addict, but it tears apart the fabric of the family unit, plunging it into a vulnerable state. Some families can find ways to hold the threads together, but most of the time the pain is just too great, and every family member is torn up in one way or another. The pain of addiction affects everyone the addict knows…sleepless nights, tears, anger and frustration at not being able to make them stop and see the damage they are doing to themselves and to everyone who loves them. It’s a kind of dying without dying.
- anonymous
Addiction Help Resources for Spokane Washington and Surrounding Areas
Our goal is to simplify the path to recovery from addiction by providing a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate website. We highlight addiction help resources in Spokane and surrounding areas, focusing on prevention, treatment, recovery, and support. Designed for all community members impacted by addiction, our platform serves as a centralized hub of information for individuals, loved ones, and healthcare professionals alike.