Addiction can be a complex and even confusing topic. It's personal, and painful, to so many. Let's start with some basic understanding - defining what addiction is and how it affects an individual and their relationships.

Addiction is the state of being enslaved to a substance or behavior that is psychologically and physically habit-forming to such an extent that its cessation causes withdrawals.

Let's look at some more specifics of what it means to be addicted. A person who is addicted will exhibit the following traits:

• Loss of control over a behavior
• Continues the behavior despite negative consequences in areas such as finances, relationships, health, work, school, and other areas
• Spends more and more time planning the behavior and then recovering from it
• Develops a tolerance where, over time, it requires more of the behavior to achieve the same effect
• Suffers withdrawal symptoms when the behavior is stopped

Primary Areas of Addiction

addiction2recovery has chosen to focus on 5 primary areas of addiction: sexual addiction, alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and gambling. Recent statistics show that 1 out of every 5 Americans struggles with one or more addictions. And the behavior of each addict affects at least 8 people.

addiction2recovery is also concerned with supporting families impacted by addiction, and provides resources specific to those struggling with codependency. Codependency is a compulsion to control and rescue people by fixing their problems. It usually occurs when a person is in relationship with a dysfunctional person such as an addict. Despite the countless tragic events that have resulted from addictive behavior, there are redemptive stories too, from people who have come out of a life of addiction and into recovery. You can see some of these first-person accounts in our Recovery Stories videos.

addiction2recovery believes we can help you find real and lasting change. Our goal is to provide opportunity - so that every person who is willing can have the resources and the connections that will really change their lives.

Where to Get Started

If you believe you have a problem with addiction or co-dependency, or you have a family member or friend who struggles with addiction, visit our CityLink pages in a2r Connect. There you will find places to go and people to connect with who can help you get started in your recovery journey.

What Recovery is About

When addiction2recovery refers to the recovery of an addict, we mean the process by which a person learns how to live life without the behavior or substance to which they are addicted. It involves not only addressing "what" they are addicted to, but also all the "whys" that fuel the addiction. There is no quick fix. Recovery is an ongoing process, and most people will find they not only need information and tools, but they also need people to walk with them in an accountability relationship. addiction2recovery is committed to the recovery process.

Helping a Friend or Spouse

Many people are drawn to addiction2recovery not because of their own behavior but because of someone they care about - a spouse, child, or friend. If your life or the lives of those you love have been impacted by addiction, there is hope for you. Although you cannot change the addict or their behavior, you can get the help you need in order to make the best choices you can for yourself and your family. Please visit our CityLink pages in a2r Connect to get connected to local organizations and people that can provide the ongoing care and assistance you might need.

Please note: Addiction is serious and can be life-threatening. If you feel you need immediate help, call your doctor, a qualified addiction counselor, therapist, close friend, minister, or 911; or go to the nearest emergency room. If someone in your family is violent, threatening to become violent, suicidal, missing or acting in ways that are out of control, call 911. For chronic problems contact your city/county social services, a doctor, professional counselor, or other qualified healthcare professional. addiction2recovery provides information and resources to help educate and inform you in your recovery journey, but you should not consider this information to be a substitute for medical or professional advice.