• Past 30 Day statistics, According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, • 6.5% of the population over 12 reported heavy drinking • 9.2% reported illicit drug use • The majority of people who use recreationally will not need treatment • Addiction is characterized by compulsive craving for the substance and using that substance despite negative consequences • Cravings and compulsive behavior are caused in large part as a consequence of substance use or addictive behaviors on the brain causing • Emotional • Cognitive • Physical • Behavioral changes Definition of Addiction • Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. • Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations reflected in pathological pursuit of a reward and/or relief by a substance. • Without treatment and/or engagement, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. (ASAM 2011, NIDA 2007) Characteristics of Chronic Disease • Disrupts normal functioning • Have serious, harmful consequences • Are preventable and treatable • Can last a lifetime • May be fatal if untreated Addiction—A description, not a Diagnosis • Addiction is a description, not a diagnostic term. • Addiction erodes a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions •

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