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. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/ or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

• An estimated 20 million Americans chronically misuse alcohol and other drugs – licit and illicit.


• Half of all auto accident deaths (about 28,000 a year) are related to alcohol.


• One in ten of us will become chemically dependent in our lifetimes. In areas with high rates of alcohol consumption, that figure in one in eight.


• Less than three percent of those with alcoholism fit the stereotype of “skid row bum.” In truth, alcoholics are functioning in every profession, every trade, and every parish.


• One in every three families is affected by alcohol and drug dependency.