A drug and/or alcohol addiction is a life-changing illness that can be detrimental not only the addict, but also to their family and close friends.  To better understand addiction as an illness, one must first understand what an addict and/or addiction looks like.  In then seeing an addictive lifestyle in yourself, or a within the life of a loved one, it is possible to seek proper rehabilitation treatment.

So, what exactly is an addiction?  Formally, an addiction to a drug or alcohol can be described as the ongoing abuse of a substance that affects an individual’s life, and the life of those that surround them, negatively.  It is a chemical dependency that, over time, becomes a lifestyle.  An addiction can affect rational decision-making, internal will-power, character and personal strength.

There are several negative consequences that may come with a harmful addiction, beyond that of issues relating to poor health.  Some of these consequences may include, but are not limited to:

*  Financial problems
*  Inability to work
*  Poor hygiene
*  Loss of time with family and/or friends
*  Broken relationships
*  Death due to overdose or inability to make good/healthy decisions

An addiction is not only that of abusing a harmful substance.  An addiction also encompasses all of the behaviors, rituals and feelings that entice an addiction to continue using drug and/or alcohol.  Often times, breaking these bad habits and amending these negative feelings and/or behaviors, are just as difficult as not continuing to use the chemical.

It is often difficult for an addict to quit using drugs or alcohol on their own.  Even if they do make a conscious decision to do so, the support of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center is highly recommended.  Within these centers, an individual can gain medical assistance, counseling and the support of others in similar situations.  These rehab centers are located throughout the entire United States, each with different methods of treating the illness.

When searching for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, there are many decisions in which to make. Asking a friend or family member for assistance may be a good idea. Together an addict and their loved one can choose options such as that of a gender specific center, a spiritually-based program, etc. The choice should feel like a positive step forward, so one should not be afraid to ask questions of center professionals prior to starting the program.

An addiction can affect relationships, finances and health, to the point of overall personal destruction.  Although, one must also realize that individuals overcome addictions each and every day.  There is hope via contacting a rehabilitation center.  It’s never too late to start walking down a path to a healthy and complete recovery.

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