No one intends to become addicted to alcohol or drugs. People usually begin using these substances thinking they have control over their use, but as a person advances from “beginning use” to “pattern of abuse” it takes more and more of the substance to feel an effect." , so they take more of it. How long this takes is not the same for all people. Biochemical changes occur and the brain is literally “hijacked”. Despite the heartfelt desire to stop using, you can’t JUST STOP.

Addiction is often portrayed as a problem of the underprivileged, but it affects nearly 23 million Americans!

When you first realize that your substance use has become a problem, it is natural to ask "why me?" and "how could this happen?"

The more urgent question is:

What can I do to get the treatment I need?