• Addiction is a progressive, chronic, relapsing, disease of the brain that affects 23 million Americans.  Genetics play a role in a person’s vulnerability to addiction.
• The use of drugs and alcohol repeatedly over time alters brain chemistry and function.  These changes in the brain drive the addiction further and are largely the reason for relapse.
• Addiction has nothing to do with morality or willpower.

• Less than 10% of those needing treatment, receive it.
• There is no significant difference in recovery outcomes for treatment that is mandated versus voluntarily sought.
• Early intervention improves the chances of sustainable recovery.
• 90% of treatment is outpatient, despite the fact that success rates greatly increase when treatment is residential for longer than 90 days.

• There is great disparity in insurance benefits for addiction and other mental illnesses compared to physical diseases with less stigmatization.
• Due to stigma, many addicts and their loved ones become isolated in times of great crisis, which may prevent them from getting treatment.
• Addiction is treatable. The brain has the capacity to recover.
• Relapse is common and early return to treatment increases the chance of sustainable recovery.

Source:  Addiction: Why Can’t They Just Stop

                        Edited by John Hoffman and Susan Froemke

                        Based on the HBO Documentary series