Addiction, defined.
You’ll find a variety of definitions across many websites, textbooks, and professionals and so on. However, my preferred definition for an addiction is provided by Dr. Gabor Maté in his book The Myth of Normal as I find it to be all-encompassing:
“Addiction is a complex psychological, emotional, physiological, neurobiological, social, and spiritual process. It manifests through any behavior in which a person finds temporary relief or pleasure, and therefore craves, but that in the long term causes them or others negative consequences, and yet the person refuses or is unable to give it up.”
As you can see, addiction is not limited to drugs and alcohol. Sometimes referred to as a process addiction, a behavioural addiction includes gambling, Internet use, sex, overeating, and so on. These activate the brain’s reward system, producing feelings similar to that of substance abuse (e.g., euphoria). Eventually, it turns into a compulsive behaviour that fits Dr. Gabor Maté‘s definition.
I hope that your time here will provide clarity and help you expand your knowledge on this topic as there is much to learn. Please visit the Addiction page to begin.
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Addiction Resources
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Cocaine White Gold (National Geographic: Drugs, Inc)
This episode of Drugs, Inc shows how cocaine makes it way from a Peruvian farm crap and travels 4,500 miles to reach its users. In the USA, over four million people regularly use cocaine. This powerful stimulant is worth more than gold, and every year Americans spend over $37 billion…
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New York City’s Opioid Drug History: A Relentless Cycle
Using an opioid for a pain relief drug has a long history in New York City, where they were introduced as unregulated medicine: doctors began prescribing morphine pills to housewives in the 1880s. Journalist Christopher Booker uncovers New York’s history with opioids – from plant-based morphine, opium and heroin to…
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Methadone Mile: Inside Boston’s Drug Epidemic
In this story, we’ll peel back the layers, speaking to people from Harvard doctors to people selling crack, and from the addicts fighting for survival to those who have escaped their addiction and now work to help others. Furthermore, we aim to uncover the deeper question of how methodone mile…
Recovery is beautiful.
My preferred definition for an addiction is provided by Gabor Maté in his book The Myth of Normal.
“Addiction is a complex psychological, emotional, physiological, neurobiological, social, and spiritual process. It manifests through any behavior in which a person finds temporary relief or pleasure, and therefore craves, but that in the long term causes them or others negative consequences, and yet the person refuses or is unable to give it up.”
As you can see, addiction is not limited to drugs and alcohol. I hope that your time here will provide clarity and help you expand your knowledge on this topic as there is much to learn.
To begin learning more, you can view the Addictions page. You will find a variety of resources (e.g., documentaries, journal articles), as well as a comprehensive overview for certain topics (e.g., specific addictions).
new content
Recovery
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Methadone Mile: Inside Boston’s Drug Epidemic
In this story, we’ll peel back the layers, speaking to people from Harvard doctors to people selling crack, and from the addicts fighting for survival to those who have escaped their addiction and now work…
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True Stories of Addiction: Alcohol Was My Gateway to Illegal Drugs
Brady grew up in a family that was very disconnected. Everyone seemed to do their own thing every day. Both of his parents had an addiction to drugs, but his parents tried to hide it…
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Coming KLEAN: Stories of Overcoming Addiction
This documentary chronicles the lives of people who have faced and conquered addiction. Through distinct chapters outlining the beginning, the addiction, the recovery and their lives today, we delve into the complexities of addiction, the…
Mental health matters.
I am proud of how much we have grown when it comes to talking about the importance of mental health and opening up about our struggles. However, we are not done.
In my opinion, there is no health without mental health. Although it affects everyone in some way, whether directly or indirectly, it does not impact everyone equally. For this reason, is it important to understand that the complexities of mental health involves recognizing both risk and protective factors involved in mental wellbeing, such as the social determinants of health; engaging in education from an intersectional perspective by acknowledging how various forms of oppression, discrimination, domination and other social processes influence mental health; and viewing mental health concerns from a trauma-informed lens.
Please visit the Mental Health page to begin your journey.
new content
Mental Health Resources
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Methadone Mile: Inside Boston’s Drug Epidemic
In this story, we’ll peel back the layers, speaking to people from Harvard doctors to people selling crack, and from the addicts fighting for survival to those who have escaped their addiction and now work…
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Ketamine: Realms and Realities (Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia)
Hamilton Morris meets with Timothy Wyllie, an artist, writer and architect best known for his role in founding a controversial religion called The Process Church, and whose life has been a continuous quest to understand…
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Las Vegas Homeless Community Living in Underground Tunnels
Did you know that there are 1,500 homeless people living in tunnels below Las Vegas? Directly under the billion-dollar casinos, fancy night clubs and Michelin-star restaurants is a world that you wouldn’t believe is real.…