Addictions.....

My personal theory is that we all have an addiction.  However, when these substances or processes take over then we need to look at what is going on.
The word addiction means, enslaved by or bound to. 
There are 3 processes that are involved in the addiction process.
1. craving for object of addiction.
2. loss of controlf   over it's use.
3. continuing involvement despite adverse consequences.
Overcoming an addiction can be long and slow and complicated.  (LENS cIt an help)
In the 1930's research indicated that the person was morally flawed.  In the 1980's there was the slogan of, "Just say no."  Today we have psychotherapy, medications, and self-care.
Most people consider an addiction is with alcohol and powerful drugs.  But it can also include gambling, shopping, and sex.
There are 23 million Americans, 1 in 10 that have an addiction.  Two thirds of these are addicted to alcohol.  The top 3 drugs that are abused are marijuana, opoid pain relivers, and cocaine.
There is a genetic component, with 40 to 60 percent, but it is also related to behavior.
The pleasure principle is also involved.  This is when there is a flood of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, just under the cerebral cortex.  The pleasure is good at first
but then the brain learns to want more.  But the more we flood the brain with dopamine the less we can tolerate.  So the brain develops a tolerance and requires more to get the dopamine.  So this leads to a compulsion for more. 
LENS neurofeedback can help with recovery.  I first learned how to work with LENS with people who were in recovery.  Have a great holiday!!!