Addiction

What is Addiction?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) describes addiction or substance use disorder as a chronic, treatable medical condition that arises from intricate interactions between brain circuits, genetics, environmental factors, and personal life experiences. Individuals struggling with addiction may engage in substance use or behaviors that become compulsive, often persisting even when they lead to harmful consequences.

A substance use disorder begins with the repeated and unhealthy use of alcohol or drugs. This can lead to changes in the brain’s natural “reward pathway” and erode a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions, while sending highly intense impulses to continue the behavior. These overwhelming impulses help explain the compulsive and often baffling behavior around addiction. The person will keep doing them, even when terrible things are happening to them.

About Addiction

Biology of Addiction

Self-Test: Do I Have an Addiction?

Types of Addiction

Alcohol

Tobacco

Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes)

Cocaine

Prescription Opioids

Heroin

Naloxone

Cannabis (Marijuana)

Synthetic Cathinones 

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Xylazine

Addiction Help

Solstice Health & Wellness – Integrative Addiction Care & Recovery

Helping Those Struggling with Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Addictive Disorders Lead Healthier Lives

A person with substance use disorder responds best when treated with comprehensive care that is integrated, evidence-based, and patient-centered. We strive to remove any unnecessary obstacles to accessing addiction treatment by providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for patients and families.

The goal of Addiction Recovery Treatment is a cessation or reduction in harmful substance cravings and use, active participation and engagement in treatment, restoration of normal physiologic functions, and an improvement in one’s quality of life.

REFERENCES:

• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
• American Psychiatric Association
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
• Mayo Clinic; Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association