Addictions

Many people are caught up in unhealthy, expensive, and often life-threatening addictions and/or other compulsive behaviours. Included in these are alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling, compulsive sex, and disordered eating.

Alcoholism and addiction are diseases. The disease model has dominated addiction studies for many years. Addiction is a chronic, progressive, and incurable disease. Help is available and the earlier the help is sought the better the treatment outcomes are. The person involved in an addictive/compulsive behaviour often recognizes the physical, social, psychological, or spiritual harm of the behaviour. There may be an expressed desire to reduce or cease the addictive behaviour, however, change is not easy. The positive news is, given the right kind of treatment and support, the person with addiction is able to have a normal, healthy, and productive life.